Bronchiectasis

Question 1

Name some of the main causes of Bronchiectasis?

Answer 1

Post-Infective: Tuberculosis, measles, pertussis, pneumonia.

Obstruction: bronchial cancer/foreign body

Immune mediated: hypogammaglobulinaemia, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

Genetic: CF

Ciliary dyskinesia: eg. Youngs syndrome.

Question 2

What is Bronchiectasis?

Answer 2

Permanent dilatation of the airways secondary to a chronic infection or inflammation.

Question 3

What are some symptoms of Bronchiectasis?

Answer 3

A persistent and productive cough producing large amounts of sputum.

Dyspnoea

Haemoptysis

Question 4

What are some clinical signs of Bronchiectasis?

Answer 4

Abnormal chest auscultation: coarse crackles and an expiratory wheeze

Finger clubbing may be present.

Question 5

What is the management for Bronchiectasis?

Answer 5

Antibiotics for exacerbations and long term rotating antibiotics in severe cases

Physical training (eg. inspiratory muscle training)

Bronchodilators in severe cases

Postural drainage

Question 6

What are the most common causative organisms for Bronchiectasis?

Answer 6

Haemophilus influenzae

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Klebsiella sp.

Streptococcus pneumoniae