Bronchiectasis Flashcards
What is Bronchiectasis?
Permanent dilation of the bronchi leading to sputum collection, recurrent infection and a chronic cough
What is the very general cause of Bronchiectasis?
Damage to the airways
What are some causes of Bronchiectasis?
Idiopathic
Pneumonia
Whooping cough
TB
Alpha-1-antitrypsin
Connective tissue disorders like rheumatoid arthritis
Cystic fibrosis
Yeyello nail syndrome
What is yellow nail syndrome?
Triad of:
-Bronchiectasis
-yellow finger nails
-lymphoedema
What are some symptoms of Bronchiectasis?
Shortness of breath
Chronic. Productive cough
Recurrent chest infections
Weight loss
What are the signs of Bronchiectasis?
Sputum production
Cachexia
Finger clubbing
Cor pulmonale (raised JVP, peripheral oedema)
Crackles in chest
Scattered wheezes and squeaks
What investigations would you like too do if you suspect Bronchiectasis?
FBC
Sputum culture
CXR
HRCT
What are the most common causative infective organisms in Bronchiectasis?
Haemophilus influenzae
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Staphylococcus aureus
What are some chest x-ray findings with Bronchiectasis?
Tram track opacities
Ring shadows (dilated airways)
What is the diagnostic imaging used to diagnose Bronchiectasis?
High Reoslution CT (HRCT)
What is the management for Bronchiectasis?
Vaccines (pneumococcal annual flu)
Resp physiotherpay
Pulmonary rehab
Long term abx (Azithromycin) if have 3 or more exacerbations per year
LABA
Long term oxygen therapy
Surgical lung resection or lung transplant
What is the management of an infective exacerbation of Bronchiectasis?
Sputum culture before ABX
Antibiotics for 7-14days (same abx as pneumonia unless it’s pseudomonas)
What antibiotics are given for a pateitn with an infective exacerbation of Bronchiectasis by pseudomonas aeruginosa?
Ciprofloxacin
