Bronchiectasis Flashcards
What is bronchiectasis?
Bronchiectasis describes a permanent dilatation of the airways secondary to chronic infection or inflammation.
What are some post-infective causes of bronchiectasis?
Tuberculosis, measles, pertussis, pneumonia.
What genetic condition is a cause of bronchiectasis?
Cystic fibrosis.
What type of obstruction can lead to bronchiectasis?
Bronchial obstruction, e.g., lung cancer or foreign body.
What immune deficiencies can cause bronchiectasis?
Selective IgA deficiency and hypogammaglobulinaemia.
What is allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)?
A condition that can cause bronchiectasis.
What are ciliary dyskinetic syndromes that can lead to bronchiectasis?
Kartagener’s syndrome and Young’s syndrome.
What is yellow nail syndrome?
A condition that can cause bronchiectasis.
Chest x-ray showing tramlines, most prominent in the left lower zone
CT chest showing widespread tram-track and signet ring signs
What is bronchiectasis?
Bronchiectasis describes a permanent dilatation of the airways secondary to chronic infection or inflammation.
What are the features of bronchiectasis?
- Persistent productive cough with large volumes of sputum expectorated.
- Dyspnoea.
- Haemoptysis.
What are the signs of bronchiectasis?
- Abnormal chest auscultation.
- Coarse crackles.
- Wheeze.
- Clubbing may be present.
What is bronchiectasis?
Bronchiectasis describes a permanent dilatation of the airways secondary to chronic infection or inflammation.
What is the first step in managing bronchiectasis?
Assess for treatable causes (e.g. immune deficiency).
What are the management strategies for bronchiectasis?
Management includes physical training, postural drainage, antibiotics, bronchodilators, immunisations, and surgery in selected cases.
What type of physical training is beneficial for bronchiectasis?
Inspiratory muscle training has a good evidence base for patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.
What antibiotics are used in bronchiectasis management?
Antibiotics for exacerbations and long-term rotating antibiotics in severe cases.
When are bronchodilators used in bronchiectasis?
Bronchodilators are used in selected cases.
What are the most common organisms isolated from patients with bronchiectasis?
The most common organisms include Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp., and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
In what cases is surgery considered for bronchiectasis?
Surgery is considered in selected cases, such as localized disease.
