Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition characterized by permanent dilation and damage of the airways (bronchi), leading to mucus accumulation, recurrent infections, and impaired airway clearance.

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Causes

Bronchiectasis can result from multiple underlying conditions:

• Previous severe lung infections (e.g., pneumonia, tuberculosis)
• Post-infectious complication of COVID-19
• Chronic respiratory diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Immune deficiencies
• Aspiration or airway obstruction

  Symptoms

  Patients typically present with:

• Chronic productive cough
• Daily sputum production (often thick, purulent)
• Recurrent chest infections
• Breathlessness
• Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
• Fatigue

  When to Seek Medical Help

• Increased sputum volume or change in color
• Fever with cough
• Blood in sputum
• Worsening breathlessness

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  Prevention & Care Tips

• Regular chest physiotherapy
• Avoid smoking and air pollution
• Maintain hydration
• Early treatment of respiratory infections