Bronchiectasis is a long term condition which causes the airways to become widened and damaged, leading to a build up of mucus that can make the lungs more vulnerable to infection.
What are the signs and symptoms of bronchiectasis?
The most common symptoms of bronchiectasis include a persistent cough that usually means you brings up mucus and shortness of breath. Damaged airways can’t clear the mucus like they are supposed to. Bacteria can then grow in the airways causing more inflammation and damage to your lungs.
The severity of symptoms can vary widely. Some people have symptoms now and again and others can have persistent, daily symptoms.
How is bronchiectasis treated?
The damage caused to the lungs by bronchiectasis is permanent, but treatment can relieve symptoms and stop the damage getting worse.
The main treatments include:
- Exercises and special devices to help you clear mucus out of your lungs.
- Medicine to help improve the airflow within the lungs and to thin the mucus making it easier to cough it out.
- Antibiotics to treat any lung infections that develop. Some people can be prescribed long term antibiotics.
- If bronchiectasis is caused by an underlying condition, treating the condition may help your symptoms.
Living with bronchiectasis can be stressful and frustrating, but most people living with the condition have a normal life expectancy.
The following links offer more information on bronchiectasis: