Condition
Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis is an abnormal widening of the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs (your airways).
Wider airways can cause extra mucus to collect making them prone to infection.
Symptoms of bronchiectasis can include:
- Cough that produces sputum (phlegm)
- Wheezing
- Coughing up blood
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Feeling generally unwell and very tired
How is bronchiectasis treated?
Treatment for bronchiectasis often includes a course of antibiotics. Special exercises to help clear your airways may ease your symptoms. You may be trained in the use of a special device to clear the mucus from your lungs. Anti-inflammatory medication may help reduce the swelling in your airways. An inhaler similar to those prescribed for asthma may also be prescribed.
In some cases surgery may be required to remove an area of your lung that is causing infection.