Bronchiectasis

Question 1

Bronchiectasis

Answer 1

• Chronic inflammation of bronchi causes it to get damaged and dilated
• Mucus plugs form
• Obstructive lung disease due to mucus

Question 2

Causes of bronchiectasis

Answer 2

Anything which causes chronic inflammation

1. Ciliary Dyskinesia - cilia do not move normally, trapping mucus and bacteria in airways
2. CF - mucus sticky and hard to sweep
3. Airway obstruction - tumor etc prevents mucocilary escalator clearing out mucus

Question 3

Chronic inflammation

Answer 3

1. Immune cells release cytokine
2. Cytokines damage cilated epithelial cells
3. Destroy elastin fibres in walls of airways
4. Overtime airways become dilated and clogged with mucus
5. Fibroblasts come in and deposit collagen
   LESS ELASTIC AND MORE STIFF

Question 4

PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

Answer 4

1. Overtime lung function declines and there is hypoxia
2. Pulmonary arterioles constrict
3. Widespread damage means widespread constriction
4. Increased vascular resistance
5. Hypertension
6. Right ventricular hypertrophy

Question 5

Symptoms

Answer 5

• Wheezing and coughing
• Shortness of breath
• EXCESSIVE SPUTUM PRODUCTION
• Long term hypoxia - digital clubbing

Question 6

Clinical findings

Answer 6

1. Wheeze - narrowing of airways due to mucus plugs

2. Coarse lung crackles on inspirationa + expiration