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Getting bronchiectasis treatment online is easy with Mobi Doctor. Book an appointment from home and connect with a specialist ready to help. No long waits or travel are needed, just convenient, professional care to improve your lung health quickly and effectively.

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Medically Reviewed

By

Chrysoula I. Liakou

MD, PhD, Internal Medicine Specialist and
Cancer Immunology Researcher.

What Is Bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis is a long-term lung condition that affects the airways, which are the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. In people with bronchiectasis, these airways become damaged, thickened, and widened. This damage means the airways can’t effectively clear out mucus, a sticky fluid our lungs naturally produce. When mucus isn’t cleared, it builds up, creating an environment where bacteria can grow. This often leads to infections, more inflammation, and further lung damage.

 

Although there isn’t a cure for bronchiectasis, treatment can help you live a normal life. Doctors may prescribe medication to clear mucus, prevent infections, and ease breathing. Special breathing exercises and physiotherapy are also common to help remove mucus from the lungs. If you have a flare-up, when symptoms suddenly get worse, you need quick treatment to avoid further damage and keep your lungs as healthy as possible.

Bronchiectasis Symptoms

Bronchiectasis symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and they may come and go such as:

 

  • Persistent Cough that produces lots of mucus, which can be thick, sticky, or bad-smelling

  • Coughing Up blood in some cases

  • Shortness Of breath, especially during physical activity

  • Wheezing, a whistling sound when you breathe

  • Chest Pain or discomfort, especially when coughing

  • Fatigue or feeling extremely tired

  • Weight Loss without trying

  • Frequent Chest Infections that make symptoms worse

  • Chills And Night Sweats during flare-ups

  • Clubbing of fingers and toes, where the skin under the nails thickens and the nails curve

Bronchiectasis Causes

Bronchiectasis happens when the airways in your lungs become damaged. This damage makes it hard for mucus to clear out of your lungs. When mucus builds up, bacteria can grow, causing more infections and damage over time.

 

There are many reasons why the airways get hurt. Sometimes, it’s because of infections like pneumonia or tuberculosis (TB) or childhood illnesses such as measles and whooping cough. Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can also damage the lungs. Doctors often can’t figure out exactly what caused the problem.

 

Once the airways are damaged, they become inflamed and thick. This keeps mucus from draining properly, and the trapped mucus can lead to more infections. It’s like a cycle: more infections cause more damage, which makes it easier for new infections to happen.

 

Certain health conditions can make bronchiectasis more likely. For example, cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that causes thick mucus in the lungs. Non-CF bronchiectasis can be caused by severe asthma, fungi allergies, or immune system problems. Other causes include breathing in harmful fumes, having a blocked airway, or issues like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Bronchiectasis Treatment

Bronchiectasis can’t be cured, but there are many ways to manage the condition and improve your quality of life. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential to keep the disease from worsening and control symptoms. Here are some standard treatment options:

  • Medications

    • Antibiotics to fight lung infections

    • Macrolides (like azithromycin) to reduce inflammation

    • Inhaled corticosteroids to ease swelling in the airways

    • Expectorants to help thin mucus and make it easier to cough up

    • Bronchodilators, taken with an inhaler or nebuliser, to open up the airways

  • Chest Physiotherapy

    • Chest clapping or percussion to loosen mucus

    • Using a high-frequency chest wall oscillation vest to shake mucus free from the lungs

    • Learning techniques from a respiratory therapist to help drain mucus using gravity

  • Vaccinations

    • Flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 vaccines to protect against lung infections

  • Oxygen Therapy

    • Breathing in extra oxygen if your lungs aren’t getting enough on their own

  • Surgery

    • Removing damaged parts of the lung if necessary

    • In very severe cases, a lung transplant might be needed

  • Lifestyle Changes

    • Staying active and exercising to keep lungs strong

    • Eating a healthy diet and drinking lots of water to thin mucus

    • Making other healthy choices to support lung function

By following these treatments, people with bronchiectasis can better manage their symptoms and lead healthier, more active lives.

Bronchiectasis Prevention

Preventing bronchiectasis or reducing the risk of lung damage is important for overall lung health. Here are some ways to help protect your lungs and reduce the chance of developing bronchiectasis:

 

  • Don’t smoke or try to quit if you do, as smoking harms your lungs.

  • Avoid breathing in polluted air, cigarette smoke, fumes, and gases.

  • Keep up-to-date with vaccinations for the flu, whooping cough, pneumonia, measles, and COVID-19.

  • Take antibiotics if your doctor prescribes them, especially if you have conditions that put you at risk for lung infections.

  • Researchers are looking into new inhaled antibiotics to help prevent and treat infections more effectively.

  • Work with your healthcare provider to manage any lung-related health conditions.

  • Keep all your doctor appointments and follow your treatment plan carefully.

  • Talk to your doctor if your medications or therapies are not working.

 

Recognising bronchiectasis early can help you get treatment before lung damage becomes severe. Mobi Doctor can help by providing expert care and treatment for bronchiectasis, right from your home. Our specialists offer personalised plans and support to manage symptoms, improve lung health, and prevent further damage.

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