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Definition Bronchiectasis is an abnormal stretching and enlarging of the respiratory system. It is caused by mucus blockage. When the body is unable to get rid of mucus, mucus becomes stuck and accumulates in the airways. The weakened passages can become scarred and deformed, allowing more mucus and bacteria to accumulate, resulting in a cycle of infection and blocked airways. This disease has three forms: cylindrical varicose saccular Causes The most common cause of Bronchiectasis in all over the world is scarring from tuberculosis. In the United States, the most common cause of this illness is probably cystic fibrosis. Using tobacco can also lead to emphysema in 20% of smokers, which can lead to chronic bronchitis and scarring of the bronchi that develops into bronchiectasis. Adults can have inherited immunodeficiencies that present as recurrent lung infections that ultimately lead to bronchiectasis. It is characteristic in a number of conditions, particularly Kartagener syndrome. Symptoms Bronchiectasis can develop at any age, it may be in child, adult or old person. But it is most often begins in early childhood. However, symptoms may not appear at the starting of this illness or much later. In most of the people, symptoms start after a respiratory infection, and it gives diffuclty over the years. The most typical symptom is a chronic cough that produces thick, white or green sputum (discharge). The sputum may be foul-smelling and abundant and may contain blood. The individual generally coughs up large amounts of sputum after changing position (for example, after rising from bed). Among these common symptoms are- Recurrent fever chest pain frequent bouts of pneumonia wheezing or shortness of breath strain the right side of the heart and lead to pulmonale Very severe cases of bronchiectasis, which occur more commonly in underdeveloped countries and in people who have advanced cystic fibrosis, may impair breathing and the lung's ability to oxygenate the blood and rid the body of carbon dioxide, a condition called respiratory failure. Treatment The treatment of bronchiectasis is designed to prevent the complications of pneumonia and hemoptysis. A respiratory therapist can teach postural drainage and effective coughing exercises to patients and their families. Pneumonia vaccine is usually given every 5-6 years to prevent a common form of pneumonia and bronchitis. An influenza vaccine (flu shot) is given every fall to prevent influenza which frequently turns into pneumonia in patients with bronchiectasis. Most patients are given antibiotics when their sputum increases in volume, their cough increases, or their sputum becomes colored (yellow, green, or gray). When the lungs become infected, then outpatient treatment with oral or inhaled antibiotics is often sufficient. This no longer requires the patient to be in the hospital as intravenous antibiotics can be given in the home by a visiting nurse in most cases.
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Alien writes for Family doctor. He also writes for natural cures and health clinic
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