Airflow obstruction

Question 1

What is bronchiectasis?

Answer 1

Abnormal enlargement of the airways

Question 2

What are the clinical manifestations of bronchiectasis?

Answer 2

1. Chronic purulent sputum production
2. Recurrent chest infections (due to stagnant mucus being liable to infection)
   - Colonisation of bacteria down within the lungs and recurrent infections drive the inflammation which drives damage

Question 3

What are the causes of bronchiectasis?

Answer 3

Most commonly idiopathic!

- CF is the most common cause of a genetic link

Question 4

How does dilatation in bronchiectasis cause airflow obstruction?

Answer 4

1. Due to changes predominantly in the small airways where you are getting: mucus pooling, scarring/fibrosis and contraction