Bronchiectasis is also called Congenital Bronchiectasis and Acquired Bronchiectasis. This is an abnormal dilation (abnormal or permanent widening) and destruction of large airways. In this condition, the airways gradually lose ability to clear mucus. Mucus builds up and develops an environment where bacteria can grow. This results in severe lung infections. An individual might be born with bronchiectasis or may affect in later life.
CAUSES OF BRONCHIECTASIS:
Often, bronchiectasis is caused due to repeated infection or inflammation of airways. This might be present at birth, but often develops in the childhood as a result of inhaling some foreign object. Earlier to the use of immunizations, this was often a result of serious infections of either whooping cough or measles. Presently, influenza causing viruses develop bronchiectasis.
Other causes include:
- Respiratory syncytial virus
- Inherited conditions like, primary ciliary dyskinesia. This condition do not clear mucus from the airways.
- Cystic fibrosis
- Inhaled foreign objects, like peanuts, stuck and block airways.
- Stomach acid is regurgitated and inhaled. This damages airways too.
- Inhalation of dangerous gases
- Rare immune conditions
- Serious lung infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, measles or whooping cough
- Inhalation of harmful dust, gases or smoke
SYMPTOMS OF BRONCHIECTASIS:
This may develop at any age and also any person can suffer, but often seen in childhood. Severity of symptoms vary from person to person and in some cases, patient can be asymptotic. Symptoms of bronchiectasis progress gradually, after a respiratory infection and might worsen over years.
- Chronic cough produces foul smell
- Shortness of breath that worsens after exercising
- Wheezing
- Coughing out blood
- Bad breath
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Abnormal chest pains
- Cough worsens by lying on a side
- Recurrent fever, chills
- Weight loss
- Paleness
- Skin discoloration, that is, bluish color
- Frequent bouts of hemoptysis or pneumonia
- Anemia
- Sinusitis
- Clubbing
- Malaise
