Bronchiectasis

Question 1

describe what bronchiectasis is

Answer 1

abnormal and permanently dilated airways

Question 2

describe the characteristics of bronchiectasis

Answer 2

vicious circle of neutrophilic inflammation, recurrent infection and damage to the airway

Question 3

give some of the causes of bronchiectasis

Answer 3

TB(leading cause), COPD, congenital, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Question 4

describe the symptoms of bronchiectasis

Answer 4

persistent cough with purulent + large amounts of sputum production, breathlessness, pleuritic chest pain

Question 5

describe the signs of bronchiectasis

Answer 5

haemoptysis, coarse crackles, clubbing, infection

Question 6

what is the investigation of choice for bronchiectasis

Answer 6

HRCT

Question 7

describe what is characteristically seen on HRCT in bronchiectasis

Answer 7

non-tapering ‘tram track’ airways and an increased bronchoarterial ratio ‘signet ring’ can be seen

Question 8

describe the different aspects of bronchiectasis management

Answer 8

airway clearance, anti-inflammation and treatment of infection + complication

Question 9

describe airway clearance in bronchiectasis

Answer 9

daily airway clearance therapy advised, popular modalities include activated cycle of breathing technique(ACBT)

Question 10

describe the anti-inflammatory treatment of bronchiectasis

Answer 10

long-term azithromycin used to decrease exacerbation frequency
inhaled corticosteroids may be helpful in some

Question 11

what is the most common organism isolated from patients with bronchiectasis

Answer 11

haemophilus influenza