Top Health Science 
What Is Bronchiectasis?
Bronchiectasis is a permanent and irreversible dilation of the bronchial walls. When the bronchial tubes expand abnormally, mucus accumulates, creating an environment prone to infection. Just as stagnant water tends to become contaminated, accumulated mucus can become infected, leading to inflammation and further damage to the bronchial walls, causing a vicious cycle of worsening bronchiectasis.
Symptoms of Bronchiectasis
The most common symptom is excessive phlegm production.
- Thick yellow phlegm, especially in the morning, is a characteristic symptom.
- At night, mucus accumulates in the airways, and as daily activity begins in the morning, a large amount of phlegm is expelled.
- This mucus is often infected with bacteria, resulting in a yellow or greenish color.
- Bacteria thrive in stagnant mucus, making bronchiectasis patients more prone to pneumonia or lung abscesses.
Other symptoms include:
- Frequent respiratory infections that worsen with minor colds and do not respond well to general treatments.
- Blood in phlegm (hemoptysis) due to fragile blood vessels in the dilated bronchi.
- In severe cases, large amounts of hemoptysis can occur, which may be life-threatening.
- Shortness of breath as lung function deteriorates.
Causes of Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis results from damage and destruction of the bronchial walls due to inflammation.
Common Causes:
- Childhood infections such as measles or whooping cough
- Tuberculosis (a major cause in many regions)
- Repeated respiratory infections that weaken the lungs
- Immune deficiencies or genetic disorders (rare cases)
With early treatment of respiratory diseases, the number of bronchiectasis patients is gradually decreasing. However, in some regions, childhood respiratory infections and tuberculosis remain the most common causes.
Diagnosis of Bronchiectasis
If you produce thick, foul-smelling yellow phlegm in the morning, you should suspect bronchiectasis.
✔ Chest X-ray: May reveal abnormally dilated airways.
✔ High-resolution chest CT scan: Provides a detailed view of the dilated bronchi and is the most accurate diagnostic tool.
✔ Pulmonary function test: Normal in early stages but may show reduced lung capacity as the disease progresses.
Management & Treatment of Bronchiectasis
Since bronchiectasis involves permanent structural damage to the bronchi, it cannot be reversed. Treatment focuses on:
- Preventing secondary bacterial infections
- Reducing mucus buildup
- Minimizing disease progression
Key Treatment Approaches
1. Infection Control
✔ Early use of antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.
✔ Avoid self-medicating—consult a pulmonologist for proper antibiotic treatment.
2. Mucus Clearance Techniques
✔ Expectorants to help loosen mucus.
✔ Postural drainage (positioning therapy) to encourage effective mucus clearance.
Precautions for Bronchiectasis Patients
✔ Seek medical attention if you develop a cold with increased phlegm production. Delayed treatment can lead to lung damage and long-term breathing difficulties.
✔ Avoid physical and emotional stress to reduce the risk of hemoptysis.
✔ Get influenza and pneumonia vaccinations to prevent severe infections.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Surgery may be considered if:
✔ Symptoms persist despite medical treatment.
✔ Recurrent pneumonia or frequent hemoptysis occurs.
