DEFINITION

Bronchiectasis is an abnormal enlargement of the main pipes (bronchi) which carry air into the lungs.

DESCRIPTION

Air is taken into the lungs through pipes called bronchi. In Bronchiectasis these pipes may be up to 5-6 times wider than normal. People with Bronchiectasis have problems clearing mucus and other secretions from their airways. This allows bacteria and other organisms to grow in the lungs, causing infection, inflammation and eventually scarring.

In the long-term, Bronchiectasis can cause irreversible damage to the lungs. This can make it difficult for oxygen to be brought into the body. Bacteria that grow in the lungs of people with Bronchiectasis may also spread to other areas of the body such as the brain. People with Bronchiectasis also have increased risk of other lung problems such as pneumonia.

CAUSE

Bronchiectasis occurs when secretions from the lungs cannot be cleared. This can be due to something blocking the airway (such as a tumour or inhaled object) or conditions such as cystic fibrosis, where lung secretions are thicker than normal. Some cases of Bronchiectasis may be caused by frequent lung infections, as may be the case in people with poor immunity.
In many cases of adult Bronchiectasis, no cause can be found.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms include:
- Recurrent cough.
- Coughing up of blood.
- Coughing up of large quantities of yellow/green sputum (may be blood stained).
- Chronic sinusitis (with one or more of the above symptoms).

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Always see your Doctor for diagnosis and advice.
Bronchiectasis requires ongoing treatment and management by a medical practitioner. Physiotherapy may be used to help clear secretions from the lungs. Your Physiotherapist may give you instructions on a technique called 'postural drainage' that helps you to clear your lungs at home. Your Doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help with the infection. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the affected part of the lung.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

See your Pharmacist for advice.
1) Your Pharmacist can assist you to quit smoking.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

- Vitamin C, zinc, vitamin A and echinacea may be useful for the immune system.
- Antioxidants such as vitamin E, grape seed extract and selenium may help with inflammation.
- Liquorice herb may help relieve coughing and garlic may help fight bacterial infection.

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