Bronchiectasis

Question 1

What is this describing and which pathogen causes it?

Chronic inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles leading to permanent dilation and thinning of these airways.

Answer 1

1. Bronchiectasis

2. H. influenzae

Question 2

What are the congenital causes of bronchiectasis?

Answer 2

Cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, Kartagener’s syndrome.

Question 3

What are the acquired causes of bronchiectasis?

Answer 3

Post: measles, pertussis, pneumonia, TB, HIV.

Tumour, foreign body, RA, UC, idiopathic.

Question 4

What is this a presentation of?

Persistent cough, copious purulent sputum, intermittent haemoptysis, finger clubbing, wheeze, inspiratory crackles.

Answer 4

Bronchiectasis

Question 5

How is suspected bronchiectasis investigated?

Answer 5

1. Culture sputum
2. CXR - dilated upper airways, cystic shadows
3. Spirometry shows obstructive pattern

Question 6

What is the management for bronchiectasis?

Answer 6

1. 1st line is postural drainage
2. Chest physiotherapy
3. Mucolytics
4. Antibiotics if acutely infected
5. Bronchodilators
6. Steroids