Bronchiectasis Flashcards
What three airway patterns are present with Bronchiectasis
Cylindrical
Variscose
Saccular
What is dry Bronchiectasis
When they have an unproductive cough
How is Bronchiectasis diagnosed
Clinical features
High-resolution CT
What are you looking for on a HR CT for Bronchiectasis
A bronchial lumen to artery ratio of greater than or equal to 1:5
(Tram tracks)
What airways are more likely to be destroyed with Bronchiectasis
The smaller AWs with no cartilage
What areas of the lung are impacted by Bronchiectasis
Can be local or diffuse
Other name for cylinder Bronchiectasis
Tubular Bronchiectasis
Other name for varicose Bronchiectasis
Fusiform Bronchiectasis
Other name for saccular Bronchiectasis
Cystic Bronchiectasis
Describe the “vicious cycle” theory for development of Bronchiectasis
You suffer from a lung infection
Trouble with drainage
A secondary obstruction distal to obstruction
An inflammatory response damages AW walls
Damage causes impaired mucociliary clearance leading to more secondary infection
Primary diseases associated with Bronchiectasis
Cystic fibrosis
Chronic bronchitis
Specific, less common infection
Foreign body aspiration
Tumor causing obstruction
What is needed to diagnose Bronchiectasis
Clinical features
High resolution CT scan
What are clinical features for Bronchiectasis
Cough on most days
Sputum production most days
Exacerbation
Is Bronchiectasis restrictive or obstructive
Can be both
When might a patient not display clinical manifestation of Bronchiectasis
If it affects a small portion of the lung
Signs of Bronchiectasis exacerbation
Change in cough
Change sputum volume
Change in sputum purulence
More breathless/less exercise tolerance
Fatigue
Hemoptysis
Abnormal laboratory findings for Bronchiectasis
Increased Hct
Elevated WBC if infected
Sputum bacteria
What can be seen on a CXR with Bronchiectasis
Dark/translucent field
Depressed diaphragm
Long narrow heart
Enlarged heart
Atelectasis or consolidation
Tram-tracks
What’s the first step to treating Bronchiectasis
Treat underlying conditions
Administer antibiotics
Steroids and bronchodilator
(Hypertonic saline isn’t as effective)
Types of mucus clearance for Bronchiectasis
The vest
(Insurance will pay for it)
(Less user dependent)
