Bronchiectasis

Question 1

What is bronchiectasis?

Answer 1

Bronchiectasis describes a permanent dilatation of the airways secondary to chronic infection or inflammation.

Question 2

What are some post-infective causes of bronchiectasis?

Answer 2

Tuberculosis, measles, pertussis, pneumonia.

Question 3

What genetic condition is a cause of bronchiectasis?

Answer 3

Cystic fibrosis.

Question 4

What type of obstruction can lead to bronchiectasis?

Answer 4

Bronchial obstruction, e.g., lung cancer or foreign body.

Question 5

What immune deficiencies can cause bronchiectasis?

Answer 5

Selective IgA deficiency and hypogammaglobulinaemia.

Question 6

What is allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)?

Answer 6

A condition that can cause bronchiectasis.

Question 7

What are ciliary dyskinetic syndromes that can lead to bronchiectasis?

Answer 7

Kartagener’s syndrome and Young’s syndrome.

Question 8

What is yellow nail syndrome?

Answer 8

A condition that can cause bronchiectasis.

Question 9

Answer 9

Chest x-ray showing tramlines, most prominent in the left lower zone

Question 10

Answer 10

CT chest showing widespread tram-track and signet ring signs

Question 11

What is bronchiectasis?

Answer 11

Bronchiectasis describes a permanent dilatation of the airways secondary to chronic infection or inflammation.

Question 12

What are the features of bronchiectasis?

Answer 12

1. Persistent productive cough with large volumes of sputum expectorated.
2. Dyspnoea.
3. Haemoptysis.

Question 13

What are the signs of bronchiectasis?

Answer 13

1. Abnormal chest auscultation.
2. Coarse crackles.
3. Wheeze.
4. Clubbing may be present.

Question 14

Answer 14

Question 15

What is bronchiectasis?

Answer 15

Bronchiectasis describes a permanent dilatation of the airways secondary to chronic infection or inflammation.

Question 16

What is the first step in managing bronchiectasis?

Answer 16

Assess for treatable causes (e.g. immune deficiency).

Question 17

What are the management strategies for bronchiectasis?

Answer 17

Management includes physical training, postural drainage, antibiotics, bronchodilators, immunisations, and surgery in selected cases.

Question 18

What type of physical training is beneficial for bronchiectasis?

Answer 18

Inspiratory muscle training has a good evidence base for patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

Question 19

What antibiotics are used in bronchiectasis management?

Answer 19

Antibiotics for exacerbations and long-term rotating antibiotics in severe cases.

Question 20

When are bronchodilators used in bronchiectasis?

Answer 20

Bronchodilators are used in selected cases.

Question 21

What are the most common organisms isolated from patients with bronchiectasis?

Answer 21

The most common organisms include Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp., and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Question 22

In what cases is surgery considered for bronchiectasis?

Answer 22

Surgery is considered in selected cases, such as localized disease.