Bronchiectases are irreversible dilatations of airway tracts (bronchi) due to lesions of the bronchial walls.
- The most common cause is severe or repeated respiratory infections, often in people with an underlying lung or immune system problem.
- Most patients develop chronic cough (some with blood) chest pain and recurrent episodes of pneumonia.
- To determine the extent and severity of the disease, chest X-ray, computed tomography, and respiratory function tests are typically performed.
- Treatment often involves inhalation medication, antibiotics, and the use of other measures to suppress and eliminate mucus accumulation.
