Symptoms of bronchiectasis can take months or years to develop, and gradually become worse. The two primary symptoms are a cough and daily production of mucus (sputum). Other symptoms typically include: Coughing up yellow or green mucus daily.
The hallmark symptom of bronchiectasis is daily purulent sputum production. Physical exam findings are often subtle and non-specific: crackles, rhonchi, wheezing, or mid-inspiratory squeaks, clubbing, and—in severe, advanced disease—evidence of right heart failure.
A radiologist will associate bronchiectasis with the typical chest computed tomography (CT) scan features, consisting of an abnormally widened and thickened airway with an irregular wall, lack of tapering and/or visibility of the airway in the periphery of the lung [2].
Avoid Lung Irritants
Where possible, avoid being in environments with secondhand smoke, pollution, chemical fumes, dust particles and other substances which may be harmful to lungs.
If properly treated and monitored, most people with bronchiectasis have a normal life expectancy. People with bronchiectasis are more likely to die because of other medical conditions that affect all people (like heart disease or cancer) than to die directly from bronchiectasis.
In fact, respiratory related deaths have been known to be a major cause of death in bronchiectasis [9, 19, 20].
Pertussis, the flu, pneumococcal disease, measles and staph infections can all cause or worsen bronchiectasis. Work with your healthcare provider to treat any ongoing health conditions, especially ones that affect your lungs.
Stay hydrated always
Drinking plenty of water will not help keep you hydrated, but also assisting in thinning the mucus for easier removal. Drink around 6 to 8 glasses of water daily and spread over the entire day.
The most common symptoms of bronchiectasis include: a persistent cough that usually brings up phlegm (sputum) shortness of breath.
Once they rule out other causes for your symptoms, the most common way to diagnose bronchiectasis is with a chest X-ray or CT scan. Both tests create detailed images of your lungs, heart or airways and give you doctor a full picture of your situation.
These include tobramycin, colistin, gentamicin, aztreonam, and vancomycin. Expert opinion, early-phase studies, and even some phase III trials suggest that these agents result in significant improvement in QoL and reduce frequency of exacerbations in some patients with bronchiectasis 22, 23.
A diagnosis of bronchiectasis should be suspected when a patient presents with a recurrent or persistent (>8 weeks) cough with production of purulent or mucopurulent sputum.
It is common to feel very tired when you have bronchiectasis. You may find this tiredness, or fatigue overwhelming and leave you with little energy for everyday tasks. Fatigue affects everyone differently but you may: Have general lack of energy.
The lungs are very sensitive to the presence of foreign objects, such as small samples of food or even stomach acids, so this can trigger inflammation leading to bronchiectasis.
Mucus Thinning Medication may be prescribed to help bronchiectasis' patients cough up mucus. These medications are often given through a nebulizer, where it is mixed with hypertonic saline solution, turned into a mist, and inhaled deep into the lungs. They are commonly used along with a decongestant.
Albuterol, also known as salbutamol, is used to prevent and treat shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness caused by lung diseases such as bronchiectasis.
Any form of exercise that makes you a little breathless, such as walking and swimming is extremely beneficial for people with bronchiectasis. It may help you to clear your chest and will improve your overall fitness.
Green tea
Green tea contains many antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation in the lungs. These compounds may even protect lung tissue from the harmful effects of smoke inhalation.
Secondhand smoke, chemicals in the home and workplace, mold and radon all can cause or worsen lung disease.
Foods like green leafy vegetables, garlic, citrus fruits, berries, and ginger are great foods for detoxing the lungs and keeping them healthy.
Bronchiectasis complications include pneumonia, lung abscess, empyema, septicemia, cor pulmonale, respiratory failure, secondary amyloidosis with nephrotic syndrome, and recurrent pleurisy.
Postural drainage is a way to change your body position to help your lungs drain. If you have a long-term (chronic) lung problem associated with excessive mucus, or you have increased mucus from an infection, lying with your chest lower than your belly (abdomen) can help loosen and drain extra mucus from your lungs.
Summer heatwaves and hot weather can affect anyone. But if you have a long-term lung condition like asthma, bronchiectasis or COPD, you're more at risk of the heat affecting you. And hot weather can cause your symptoms to flare up too. This could be because you're dehydrated and too hot, making you feel worse.