Question 1

what causes bronchiectasis?

Accepted Answer

Smoking irritates: Smoking irritates the bronchi.  It causes inflammation and can damage the bronchi and bronchioles ability to naturally clear out pathogens leading to bronchitis or pneumonia.  Smoking causes lung injury resulting in emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and lung cancer among many other risks.

Please don't smoke.

Question 2

hows bronchiectasis diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Ct scan: Ct scan of chest can diagnose bronchiectasis.

Question 3

how can i treat bronchiectasis?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary toilet: Do things to promote clearance of phlegm from your lungs. Quit smoking. Get everyone who lives with you to quit. Smoking outside not acceptable. Live in a place with clean air - at least 1 mile from highways & streets with trucks & buses. Exercise. Maintain normal weight. Control diabetes. Laugh. Take all meds prescribed by your doctor. Get flu & Pneumovax vaccines. Gamma globulin may help.

Question 4

what are the tests for bronchiectasis?

Accepted Answer

Ct scan: Ct scan chest can diagnose bronchiectasis.

Question 5

are there any cures for bronchiectasis?

Accepted Answer

Surgery: If bronchiectasis is confined to one particular lobe of lung, it may be amenable for surgery, then it is curable.

Question 6

what are the symptoms of bronchiectasis?

Accepted Answer

Bronchiectasis: Productive cough and frequent infections also coughing blood in some cases.

Question 7

what do you recommend for bronchiectasis?

Accepted Answer

A good Pulmonologist: Also don't smoke, avoid others who do, wood smoke & outdoor pollution. Adequate rest & nutrition, vitamin d & omega-3. Deep slow breathing (think yoga) & postural drainage can help clear breathing tubes. Treat infection - thick colored mucous - early with antibiotics. Use bronchodilators & inhaled corticosteroids if they help you. If you have a weak immune system add ivig or preferably scig.

Question 8

what is the best  management for bronchiectasis?

Accepted Answer

Depends: There are several different causes of bronchiectasis and they would lead to different treatments. It would be best to identify the cause first and then specific treatment recommendations could be made.

Question 9

will my children inherit my bronchiectasis problem?

Accepted Answer

Not really: Most of the cases are acquired after a virulent pulmonary infection, ther are some genetic cases eg kartagner syndrome which can be acquired.

Question 10

i want to know my options for treating bronchiectasis?

Accepted Answer

Bronchiectasis: So many options: hydration and mucus clearance, chest physiotherapy, bronchodilators, anti inflammatory medications, antibiotics, pulmonary rehab.....Or a combination of all the above. You need a good pulmonologist to work with you.

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