BRONCHIECTASIS

Bronchiectasis is an obstructive lung disease that causes irreversible dilation of part of the bronchial tree. This can affect just one section of one of your lungs or many sections of both lungs. There is no cure for this condition which damages the airways by causing them to widen, become flabby and scarred. In bronchiectasis, your airways slowly lose their ability to clear out mucus. This mucus build up creates an environment in which bacteria can grow. This leads to repeated, serious lung infections. Overtime, the airways lose their ability to move air in or out and also prevents enough oxygen from reaching your vital organs.

There are three types of brochiectasis, which vary by level of severity:
1. Fusiform (cylindrical) bronchiectasis ----- the most common type where mildly inflamed bronchi fail to taper distally
2. Saccular (cystic) bronchiectasis ----- severe and irreversible ballooning of the bronchi peripherally, with or without air-fluid levels
3. Varicose bronchiectasis ----- bronchial walls appear beaded, because areas of dilation are mixed with areas of constriction

In 1819, Rene Theophile Hyacinthe Laennec, the man who invented the stethoscope, used his creation to first discover bronchiectasis. This disease was researched in greater detail by Sir William Osler in the late 1800s. In fact, he is suspected to have actually died of complications from undiagnosed bronchiectasis. Today bronchiectasis can be congenital or acquired. Congenital is usually the result of a problem with how the lungs form in a fetus. It affects infants and children. Acquired bronchiectasis occurs as a result of another medical condition. which affects adults and older children. Other acquired causes that involve environmental exposures include:
• Respiratory infections and obstructions
• Inhalation and aspiration of ammonia and other toxic gases
• Pulmonary aspiration and various allergies
• Alcoholism and drug use

The most common signs and symptoms of bronchiectasis are daily cough (over months or years), shortness of breath and wheezing, chest pain, clubbing (the flesh under your fingernails and toenails gets thicker) and daily production of large amounts of sputum (spit).

Early diagnosis and treatment of bronchiectasis are important. The most commonly used test to diagnose bronchiectasis is a chest CT scan. Others tests include:

• Chest X Ray
• Blood tests
• Sputum culture (lab tests)
• Lung function tests
• Bronchoscopy

The sooner your doctor can start treating this and underlying conditions, the better the chances of preventing further damage to your lungs. Bronchiectasis is often treated with:

• Medicines such as antibiotics, bronchodilators, expectorants, decongestants, or mucus thinners
• Hydration which helps prevent airway mucus from becoming thick and sticky
• Chest Physical Therapy and or other combined therapies
• Oxygen
• Surgery

In the U S an estimated 110,000 people are living with bronchiectasis. Overall, two-thirds of the people with this condition are women. However, in children it is more common in boys than girls. Even though there is no cure, most people who have this condition can enjoy a good quality of life

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronchiectasis