Bronchiectasis

Question 1

What is Bronchiectasis?

Answer 1

Abnormal chronic dilation and destruction of the bronchi (also a feature of CF)

Question 2

What causes Bronchiectasis?

Answer 2

Damage causes by LRTI’s

Question 3

Where in the lungs does Bronchiectasis affect the most?

Answer 3

Lower, lingular and middle lobes. Especially on left side

Question 4

Features of Bronchiectasis

Answer 4

Large amounts of smelly purulent productive cough

Breathlessness, chest pain, fever

Weight loss

Joint pains

Finger and toe clubbing

Reduced exercise tolerance

Poor thoracic and shoulder mobility

Question 5

What would you see in Bronchiectasis investigation?

Answer 5

CT shows bronchodilation
Chest x-ray shows thickened bronchi and fluid filled cysts
Sputum shows bacteria
Lung fiction tests show obstruction
Auscultation- wide spread crackles with occasional wheezing

Question 6

Medical management of Bronchiectasis?

Answer 6

Antibiotics 
Bronchodilators 
Flu vaccinations 
Surgery 
Lung transplant

Question 7

Aims of physio with Bronchiectasis?

Answer 7

Poor health
Lung secretions 
Reduced thoracic and shoulder movements 
Decreased exercise tolerance 
Empower and improve self-management

Question 8

Physiotherapy interventions for Bronchiectasis

Answer 8

Advice on balanced diet and fresh air

Airway clearance techniques

Thoracic and shoulder mobility exercises

Home exercise programme with breathing exercises, posture, aerobic exercises, pulm rehab classes