What is Bronchiectasis in the Lungs

Bronchiectasis (bron-kee-eck-tuh-sis) is a chronic lung condition that affects the airways (or bronchi) of one or both lungs, causing them to become abnormally widened, scarred, and inflamed. Injured airways have difficulty removing mucus, which is critical to clearing germs, dust, and other particles around us. This leads to a buildup of mucus and, therefore, of bacteria and other pathogens. For many, this can result in repeated flare-ups , frequent infections, and other respiratory issues, causing even more injury to the airways and creating a cycle. 1 In the United States, bronchiectasis affects 350,000 to 500,000 adults, with more cases in women than in men. The risk of developing it increases with age. 2

It is a chronic condition, which means it never goes away. However, understanding a basic bronchiectasis definition and its causes, symptoms, and treatment can help you or a loved one manage its effects.

Common bronchiectasis symptoms can vary in severity. Some people have minimal symptoms that don’t appear often, while others have daily symptoms. 3

Common symptoms include:

• A persistent cough.

• Daily product of yellow or green mucus (phlegm or sputum).

• Shortness of breath.

Other bronchiectasis symptoms:

• Frequent infections that require antibiotic treatment.

• Discomfort or chest pain.

• Fever.

• Wheezing or whistling sound when breathing.

• Fatigue (which can be exacerbated by chronic infections and difficulty breathing).

• Thickened skin under the fingernails and toenails, also known as clubbing.

Read about how severe bronchiectasis can be.

Bronchiectasis can develop due to a variety of underlying conditions that affect the lungs:

• Genetic Disorders. Cystic fibrosis or primary ciliary dyskinesia can impair the normal function of the airways by clogging them with mucus.

• Recurring Infections. Severe respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, whooping cough, or fungal infections, can damage the airway walls.

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a chronic lung condition that can make breathing difficult.

• Immune System Disorders. Autoimmune diseases or immunodeficiency disorders, including HIV or diabetes, can contribute to chronic inflammation and airway infections.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease. This would include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

• Airway Blockage. This type of blockage might result from a growth or benign tumor in the lungs.

• Environmental Factors. Sometimes, exposure to harmful substances (e.g., toxic fumes, allergens, or smoke) can damage the airways over time. One such example is Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), a type of allergic lung inflammation caused by aspergillus fungi.

• Chronic Pulmonary Aspiration. This condition includes problems swallowing. Food or fluids can then get into the lungs and contribute to airway inflammation.

However, it’s worth mentioning that “in 40% of cases, the cause is unknown.” 3

Source: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/bronchiectasis

An early diagnosis can help prevent more damage to the lungs. To diagnose bronchiectasis, healthcare providers typically use a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests:

• Blood tests and detailed family history to check for underlying conditions, such as immune deficiencies or genetic disorders.

• Chest X-ray or CT Scan can reveal the characteristic widening of the airways and other structural changes in the lungs.

• Lung Function Tests can help determine the extent of airway obstruction and impairment.

• Mucus samples can be used to identify any bacterial or fungal infections.

While there is no cure for bronchiectasis, cohesive treatments can help manage symptoms, reduce the frequency of infections and flare ups, and improve quality of life:

• Bronchiectasis Supportive Therapy. A comprehensive therapy program can help reduce inflammation, improve lung function, and prevent a cycle of infections. An effective bronchiectasis management plan should utilize medications, airway clearance techniques, exercise, and nutritional support.

• Medications. Antibiotics can work to treat infections, bronchodilators open the airways, and anti-inflammatory medications help reduce inflammation.

• Airway Clearance Techniques : The use of devices like the SmartVest Airway Clearance System can help remove mucus from the airways. This high-frequency chest wall oscillation vest is an effective airway clearance technique for managing bronchiectasis-related symptoms.

Studies show integrating SmartVest can enhance lung function and decrease hospitalizations, improving the quality of life for bronchiectasis patients. 4

With the proper treatment and management strategies, individuals with bronchiectasis can lead active and fulfilling lives. To learn more about SmartVest, request an informational packet! You can also speak with one of our patient care advocates to get started. They will guide you through your options, answer questions, and help you take the next step in your journey to manage symptoms.

Work Cited [1] NHLBI, NIH. “Bronchiectasis – What Is Bronchiectasis?” Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/bronchiectasis . [2] American Lung Association. “Learn About Bronchiectasis.” Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/bronchiectasis/learn-about-bronchiectasis . [3] American Lung Association. “Learn About Bronchiectasis.” Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/bronchiectasis/learn-about-bronchiectasis . [4] Powner J, Nesmith A, Kirkpatrick DP, Nichols JK, Bermingham B, Solomon GM. Employment of an algorithm of care including chest physiotherapy results in reduced hospitalizations and stability of lung function in bronchiectasis. BMC Pulm Med. 2019;19(1):82. Published 2019 Apr 25