$Unique_ID{BRK01352}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What is Bronchiectasis?}
$Subject{bronchiectasis lung respiratory system bronchi air alveoli oxygen CO2
bronchial walls lungs cough coughing blood hemoptysis shortness breath
wheezing chest bronchoscopy antitussives bronchioles pulmonary alveolus O2
carbon dioxide coughs breathe breathing wheeze bronchoscopies antitussive}
$Volume{H-5}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Bronchial Tree*0005902.scf
Anatomy of the Alveoli*0005903.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is Bronchiectasis?


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QUESTION:  I've been reading your column for some time now and it has been
very educational.  Do not remember ever seeing the subject "bronchiectasis"
explained.  My doctor mentioned that I might have this.  He acts like there
isn't much to be done about it.  Sure would like your opinion.  Thanks.

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ANSWER:  Bronchiectasis is a condition that may develop at any age, frequently
beginning in childhood, although the symptoms may not be come apparent until
later in life.  The bronchi are part of the system of tubes which carry the
air from the mouth and nose to the alveoli, or tiny grape like clusters of
sacs that transmit the oxygen to the blood stream while retrieving CO2.  In
bronchiectasis, the condition may be congenital (rare) or acquired.  This form
may result from a variety of causes, damage to the bronchial walls after
infection, the result of breathing toxic fumes of various kinds over long
periods of time, as the result of immunologic reactions, or the result of
abnormalities in the arteries that supply the bronchi with needed nutrition.
The disease may affect both lungs at the same time, and is most common in the
lower lobes.  The most common symptom is a chronic and productive cough that
sometimes fails to disappear after a severe pneumonia.  Typically the cough is
worse in the morning and late afternoon with the rest of the day relatively
free of symptoms.  Coughing produces large amounts of material, often
containing blood (hemoptysis).  Other symptoms include shortness of breath,
wheezing, and other signs of a poorly functioning respiratory system.  Chest
x-rays are very valuable in helping to make the diagnosis, and bronchoscopy,
where a tube is inserted into the lungs, permitting the physician to examine
the bronchi closely, is frequently advised.  While it may not be possible to
restore the lungs to normal, there are many treatments that are necessary to
prevent the condition from worsening, and a "nothing more to be done" attitude
is unacceptable.  Antibiotics must be used to fight the frequently occurring
flare ups of infection, antitussives (cough suppressing medications) help
control the cough symptoms, and medications and physical therapy to help
promote the drainage of the secretions.  Please don't take a defeatist
attitude, but seek out another physician who both can and wants to help you.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.