Danielle has a PhD in Natural Resource Sciences and a MSc in Biological Sciences
Imagine your lungs stretching and growing in size, in a condition that is out of your control. Unfortunately, these conditions exist and people have to live with them! One such condition is bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis is a lung condition where the airways become expanded due to excess mucus that cannot be cleared. As the condition progresses, more and more mucus builds up, and eventually this allows bacteria to grow. The resulting infection can cause permanent and irreversible damage to the lungs.
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Some cases of bronchiectasis are present from birth, while others develop over time. Usually the first symptoms appear during childhood, though adults may develop the condition as well. Other lung conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, whooping cough, measles, or the flu can also lead to bronchiectasis developing. Rarer, but still possible, is the development of the condition after the accidental inhalation of an object, as sometimes happens during childhood. Any illness or injury that causes lung damage or compromises the immune system has the potential to develop into bronchiectasis. The immune system works by sending white blood cells to the infected area, and this can cause inflammation to the surrounding tissues. When this inflammation causes permanent stretching of the lungs, mucus then builds up, causing further infections.
There are a number of symptoms that are fairly standard once bronchiectasis develops. These include:
Someone with bronchiectasis will notice an increase in the amount of mucus they cough up each day, and over time they will begin feeling fatigued. They may also have trouble concentrating as a result of their compromised state. Severe cases of bronchiectasis may lead to coughing up blood, joint pain, and severe chest pains.
Bronchiectasis is diagnosed by either sampling the mucus produced or through image scans such as X-rays or CT scans. A doctor may also run a lung function test, measuring lung volume and output.
Unfortunately, once diagnosed, the condition has no cure and the damage that results is permanent. But there are ways to treat the symptoms and manage the condition over the long term. Infections - such as those due to bacterial accumulation - should be treated with antibiotics. To help counter the narrowing of the airway due to mucus buildup, an inhaler called a bronchodilator can be used to help open the airway. Medication specifically formulated to decrease mucus production can also reduce narrowing of the airway. Both physical therapy and medication can help increase the amount of mucus expelled. In serious cases, surgery or oxygen therapy may be necessary. Surgery is especially effective if only a small portion of the lung is infected, in which case it may be possible to remove that area completely to stop the condition from spreading.
So, what have we learned about bronchiectasis? First, we've learned that it's a condition that can affect anyone! Some people are born with it, while others develop it after an injury or illness that causes damage to the lungs. Bronchiectasis causes excess mucus to develop in the lungs, and this causes the airways to stretch and expand. Over time, this mucus attracts bacteria and infections may develop. Bronchiectasis has no cure and the damage that results is irreversible. However, treatment options exist, including antibiotics to treat infections, bronchodilators to help open the airway, medications to help decrease the amount of mucus produced, and in more serious cases, surgery and oxygen therapy.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is for your information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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Human Anatomy & Physiology: Help and Review20 chapters | 739 lessons
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