Bronchiectasis Flashcards
1
Q
What is bronchiectasis?
A
Permanent dilation of the bronchi due to the destruction of the elastic and muscular components of the bronchial wall
2
Q
What are the potential underlying causes of bronchiectasis?
A
Previous LRTIs CF and other congenital airway diseases Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency Connective tissue disease - RA, sjogrens Focal bronchial obstruction - foreign body, broncholith, tumour, stenosis Immunodeficiency - HIV IBD Aspiration / inhalation injury
3
Q
What is the diagnostic test for bronchiectasis?
A
High resolution CT
4
Q
What are the symptoms of bronchiectasis?
A
Persistent productive cough Daily mucopurulent sputum Dyspnoea Fatigue Rhinosinusitis Spotting of sputum with blood, or more rarely haemoptysis
5
Q
What is the management of bronchiectasis?
A
Treatment of the underlying disorder
Exercise
Nutrition
Airway clearance (oral hydration, postural drainage, percussion, vibration)
+/- SABA
+/- mucoactive agent
Surgery if there is a focal lesion
6
Q
What are the potential complications of bronchiectasis?
A
Massive haemoptysis
Ischaemic stroke
Respiratory failure
Cor pulmonale
7
Q
What is the classical imaging sign of bronchiectasis?
A
Signet ring appearance
