Danielle has a PhD in Natural Resource Sciences and a MSc in Biological Sciences
What Is Bronchiectasis? - Definition, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
What is Bronchiectasis?
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.
![]() |
Causes of Bronchiectasis
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.
Symptoms of Bronchiectasis
There are a number of symptoms that are fairly standard once bronchiectasis develops. These include:
- coughing
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- abnormal chest sounds
- abnormal amounts of coughed up mucus or mucus production
- chest pains
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.
Treatment Options
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.
Lesson Summary
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.
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
Register to view this lesson
Unlock Your Education
See for yourself why 30 million people use Study.com
Become a Study.com member and start learning now.
Become a MemberAlready a member? Log In
BackWhat Is Bronchiectasis? - Definition, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Related Study Materials
- Computer Science: Help and Review
- General History Lessons
- General Science Lessons
- TExES Science of Teaching Reading (293): Practice & Study Guide
- Next Gen NCLEX-PN Study Guide & Practice
- General History
- Musical Instrument Instruction
- Choral Instruction
- Curriculum & Assessment in Music Education
- Strategies for Music Instruction
- How to Pass the CDA Test
- What is the CDA Test?
- IAAP CAP Test Day Preparation
- ILTS Test Score Information
- IAAP CAP Registration Information
- IAAP CAP Test Retake Policy
- IAAP CAP Test Score Information
Latest Courses
- Jomo Kenyatta: Biography & Facts
- Quadrat Method in Ecology: Definition & Equation
- Role of the Skin in Homeostasis & Immunity
- Hijab: Definition and Relation to Islam
- Alexander Hamilton & Maria Reynolds Affair | Fallout & the Reynolds Pamphlet
- Facts About the Titanic: History, Sinking & Survivors
- Frankenstein Critical Analysis & Literary Criticism
- Quiz & Worksheet - Analyzing the Treaty of Paris
- Quiz & Worksheet - Egyptian God Ammut the Devourer
- Quiz & Worksheet - Reconciling Subledger & General Ledger for Accounts Payable & Accrued Liabilities
- Quiz & Worksheet - Positions, Planes & Cavities Terms in Anatomy
- Flashcards - Real Estate Marketing Basics
- Flashcards - Promotional Marketing in Real Estate
- Guided Reading Lesson Plans
- Responsible Decision-Making Teaching Resources
Latest Lessons
- AP World History: Homework Help Resource
- History 106: The Civil War and Reconstruction
- High School Chemistry Textbook
- CSET Social Science Subtest I (114): Practice & Study Guide
- High School Geometry: Homework Help Resource
- CAHSEE - Algebraic Linear Equations & Inequalities: Tutoring Solution
- Psychosocial Development in Middle Adulthood: Homework Help
- Quiz & Worksheet - Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Processing & Attention
- Quiz & Worksheet - Human Evolution in the Fossil Record
- Quiz & Worksheet - Understanding Slopes and Rate of Change
- Quiz & Worksheet - History of the Juvenile Justice System
- Quiz & Worksheet - eV to J Conversion Practice
Popular Courses
- Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, & Tracking (SMART): History, Role & Purpose
- Dan Gilbert on Happiness: Overview
- Best IT Certifications
- 6th Grade South Carolina Science Standards
- USMLE Step 2 CS Scheduling
- How to Pass LPN School
- Main Idea Lesson Plan for 1st-3rd Grades
- Middle School Reading List
- TExES PPR Test Dates
- Storytelling Games for Kids
- Algebra Math Games
- Decimal Games for Kids
Popular Lessons
Math
Social Sciences
Science
Business
Humanities
Education
History
Art and Design
Tech and Engineering
- Tech and Engineering - Videos
- Tech and Engineering - Quizzes
- Tech and Engineering - Questions & Answers
Health and Medicine
- A pathologic segmental dilation of the bronchioles is known as _________.
- Which of the following are significant signs of bronchiectasis? a. persistent nonproductive cough, dyspnea, and fatigue b. persistent purulent nasal discharge, fever, and cough c. chronic cough producing large quantities of purulent sputum d. wheezing and
- What are typical pathological changes with bronchiectasis? a. bronchospasm and increased mucus secretion b. adhesions and fibrosis in the pleural membranes c. airway obstructions and weak, dilated bronchial walls d. fixation of the ribs in the inspiratory
- Is bronchiectasis a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
- Is bronchiectasis an interstitial lung disease?