Bronchiectasis causes abnormal enlargement of the lung airways.
The bronchi divide into thousands of small airways called bronchioles. The tiny hairy linings in our airways remove the mucus.
What Are the Symptoms of Bronchiectasis?
Symptoms of Bronchiectasis vary between patients. The most common symptom is a prolonged cough that often produces sputum. It can be quite a lot for people with severe Bronchiectasis.
The most common symptoms of Bronchiectasis are:
- A persistent cough often accompanied by sputum discharge
- Shortness of breath
The severity of bronchiectasis symptoms can vary. Some people have only a few uncommon symptoms, while others have a wide variety of typical symptoms.
Symptoms get worse if there is an infection in the lungs. Oxygen passes through these airways and reaches tiny sacs called alveoli.
The inner walls of the bronchi are lined with sticky mucus that protects against damage by particles moving toward the lungs.
If you have Bronchiectasis, your airways are likely to become enlarged and inflamed with thick mucus, also called sputum. Your airways may not be able to clear themselves properly.
It means that mucus accumulation in your airways can predispose infection by bacteria. Pockets in the airways show that the mucus is trapped and possibly infected.
It is essential to recognize and treat chest infections. If treatment is delayed, your airways can become even more damaged. Damages to the airways are irreversible.
Other symptoms include:
- Feeling very tired or having difficulty in concentration
- Difficulty breathing
- Problems with your sinuses
- Cough causing urinary incontinence
- anxiety or depression
The less common symptoms are:
- Bloody discharge
- Chest pain
How Is Bronchiectasis Managed?
Bronchiectasis is a long-term condition with serious symptoms that we must manage.
Patients should collaborate with a physician to establish healthy habits to limit flare-ups. Some suggestions could be:
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Maintain a healthy diet low in sodium, with added sugars, saturated fats, and refined grains.
- Help prevent mucus buildup by drinking plenty of water.
- Be diligent about taking oral and inhaled medications and practicing mucus-clearing techniques daily.
- Stay up to date on vaccines.
- Take antibiotics for one to two weeks during flare-ups.
Despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle, occasional flare-ups can occur. It usually happens due to a new respiratory infection or overgrowth of bacteria.
Symptoms such as increased bloody or discolored mucus (sputum) discharge, fever, fatigue, weight loss, and shortness of breath may indicate exacerbation
Bronchiectasis Treatment Methods
Bronchiectasis treatment aims to prevent infections and exacerbations. It is controlled by isolating a part of the lung.
- Antibiotics
Antibiotics are the most common treatment for Bronchiectasis. Oral antibiotics administration in most cases, but infections are more challenging to treat and may require intravenous antibiotics.
- Breathing techniques
Theactive breathing techniques cycle is part of the treatment,
- Breath control: Inhale gently through your nose. Keep your shoulders relaxed
- Deep breathing: Take a long, slow, deep breath through your nose, hold your breath for 2 to 3 seconds, and slowly exhale as if sighing
- Wheezing: Exhale through your mouth instead of coughing