Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is the name given to sac-like or cylindrical dilatations of the bronchi. Often the diameter of the affected bronchus is several times larger than the diameter of the healthy one. The walls of the bronchi stretch and become thin. This is often associated with lesions of the bronchial walls in chronic bronchitis, but may also be a consequence of congenital “weakness” of connective tissue. There are also cases of congenital bronchiectasis.

The thinned wall of bronchiectasis provides favorable conditions for the development of the inflammatory process, which is often accompanied by ulceration of the bronchial mucosa and destruction of the blood vessels passing through it.

"Dry", i.e. not containing purulent contents, bronchiectasis is rare and usually does not bother the patient. Actually bronchiectasis, i.e. bronchiectasis, complicated by the inflammatory process, is manifested by a cough with copious, easily discharged (often expelled “mouth full”) sputum.

A particularly large amount of sputum is released when the patient lies on the side opposite to the side on which bronchiectasis is located. Sometimes the sputum has a putrid odor. Another important sign of bronchiectasis is hemoptysis, which often makes the patient and doctor think about tuberculosis or a lung tumor.

Bronchiectasis is chronic; the inflammatory process periodically worsens and subsides. X-ray examination helps to recognize bronchiectasis. The diagnosis is also facilitated by bronchoscopy - direct examination of the cavity of bronchiectasis from the inside with a flexible light guide inserted into it (bronchoscope).

Prevention and treatment of bronchiectasis are almost identical to those carried out for chronic bronchitis. A good effect is obtained by suctioning pus from the cavity of bronchiectasis with a bronchoscope equipped with a hollow tube, and subsequent injection of antibiotics into the cavity of the dilated bronchus. In some cases, it is necessary to resort to surgical treatment - removal of a lobe of the lung or part of it.