Bronchiectasis Flashcards
What is bronchiectasis?
Permanent dilation of bronchi due to destruction of the elastic and muscular components of
the bronchial wall
What often causes bronchiectasis?
Often a consequence of recurrent and/or severe infections secondary to an underlying disorder
What are some of the causes of bronchiectasis?
- post-infectious
- immunodeficiency
- genetic
What is the pathogenesis of bronchiectasis?
Bronchial obstruction causing impaired clearing mechanism, pooling of secretions, airway inflammation
What are presenting symptoms of bronchiectasis?
- persistent cough
- daily sputum production
- dyspnoea
- fever
What is found on examination of a patient with bronchiectasis?
- crackles
- high pitched inspiratory squeaks
- rhonci
What investigations are used for bronchiectasis?
- CXR
- High resolution chest CT
- FBE
- sputum culture
- Rheumatoid factor
- Serum HIV antibody
What are some DDx?
COPD
Asthma
Pneumonia
Chronic sinusitis
What is the management for bronchiectasis?
- exercise and improve nutrition
- airway clearance
- bronchodilators
- long term macrolides