Bronchiectasis is a lung condition where the bronchi (airways leading to the lungs) are chronically dilated (expanded). This medical condition cannot be reversed but there are specific treatments aimed at decreasing the severity of the symptoms. This article reveals more about what bronchiectasis is, its causes , and what can be done to treat the symptoms of this disease.
Bronchiectasis Symptoms And Causes
Signs or symptoms may include a prolonged daily cough associated with a foul smelling sputum, problem with breathing and respiration, exhaustion, general ill-feeling, and regular lung infection episodes.
Cause – Bronchiectasis commonly comes about from injury to the bronchi. This damage destroys the musculature and elastic structure layers that permit the bronchial tubes to contract and relax normally. Due to the lack of ability to contract, the lungs are unable to clear secretions from the lung area, this can lead to an increased danger of infection, that leads to much more damage and the vicious cycle continues.
Harm may come about due to continual lung area infections or Bronchitis, trauma caused by an obstruction in the bronchi, tuberculosis, allergies, or cystic fibrosis.
Bronchiectasis Diagnosis and Therapy
Diagnosis commences with the observation of the aforementioned signs and symptoms and evaluation by a medical practitioner. The evaluation may involve a physical examination , x-rays or a high resolution CT scan of the chest, culture of the sputum, and perhaps a bronchogram (study of the bronchi) or pulmonary function tests.
The aim of treatment is to control secretions and stop infections. Coaching will be provided on postural placement to enable drainage (postural drainage), sleeping with the head somewhat elevated and upper back clapping (percussion or clapping on the back to loosen secretions).
Smoking, air pollutants, major exertion, and rapid temp changes ought to be avoided. A physician could advise the patient to drink a lot of fluids to make mucous secretions less sticky and may prescribe expectorants to loosen secretions in bronchi or anti-biotics to battle frequent lung infections.
This is a serious medical condition and you will want to learn all you can about Bronchiectasis so you can be an active participant in your health care.
You can read more about this condition and use a free tool that walks you through your symptoms and leads you to an online diagnosis. Prepare yourself before your doctor’s visit and figure out what your symptoms means using this Medical Symptom Diagnosis Tool.
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