bronchiectasis Flashcards
what is bronchiectasis?
localised irreversible dilation of the bronchial tree
what causes bronchiectasis?
fibrous scarring following infection, can congenital, mechanical bronchial construction, postinfective bronchial construction or due to immunological over response
examples of congenital disease that may cause bronchiectasis?
cystic fibrosis, Young’s syndrome, pulmonary susesquation, Kartangeners syndrome, primary ciliary dyskinesia and deficiency of bronchial wall elements
examples of what may cause mechanical bronchial construction?
bronchial obstruction (foreign body, tumour, lymph node)
examples of what may cause postinfective bronchial damage?
measles, pertussis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, TB, HIV
examples of what may cause an immunological over response?
allergic broncho pulmonary aspergillosis, post lung transplant, graft versus heart disease
what are the symptoms of bronchiectasis?
- persistent cough
- breathlessness
- sputum production
- haemoptysis
- weight loss
- pleuritic chest pain
- frequent chest infections
what are some signs of bronchiectasis ?
clubbing, cheese and coarse crackles
what investigations would take place for bronchiectasis?
HRCT scan, CXR, spirometry, bronchoscopy, sputum examination, NO test, CF sweat test, skin prick test/ aspergillum precipitins
why is an HRCT scan used for bronchiectasis?
to assess extent and distribution of disease
what will show up on the CXR of someone with bronchiectasis?
cystic shadow, thickened bronchial walls
what would the spirometry of someone with bronchiectasis show?
an obstructive pattern
what are the complications of bronchiectasis?
pneumonia, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, haemoptysis, cerebral abscess and amyloidosis
what are the lifestyle changed recommended for someone with bronchiectasis?
smoking cessation, healthy eating/ exercise
what treatment is recommended for someone with bronchiectasis?
life style changes, airway clearance techniques and mucolytics, antibiotics, corticosteroids, bronchodilators and in some cases surgery
