Bronchiectasis Specialist

What is bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis is a respiratory condition that causes you to cough up mucus. It occurs when the surfaces of the bronchi –– airways in the lung –– thicken due to inflammation.

Over time, the inflammation causes mucus to collect, preventing it from leaving your lungs. What’s more, bronchiectasis destroys the cilia (strands in your lungs that help move mucus), increasing your risk of infections.

What are the symptoms of bronchiectasis?

The symptoms of bronchiectasis include:

• Coughing that results in lots of mucus
• Coughing up mucus with blood in it
• Chest pain
• Chest tightness
• Unexplained weight loss

If you have bronchiectasis, you might also experience flare ups characterized by fatigue, chills, and night sweats.

When should I see a respiratory specialist about bronchiectasis?

Make an appointment at Fivestar Pulmonary Associates if you experience any of the symptoms of bronchiectasis. That’s especially true if they occur alongside other issues, like an autoimmune disease or a chronic cough.

How is bronchiectasis diagnosed?

Fivestar Pulmonary Associates diagnoses bronchiectasis during an in-office visit.

Your physician reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, if they’re worse during certain activities, and if they respond to at-home treatment.

Next, your physician conducts an exam. During the exam, they listen to your heart and respiratory rate and conduct respiratory tests, including spirometry. Your physician also orders lab work, including a blood test and a sputum culture. They might also conduct a chest X-ray or bronchoscopy.

How is bronchiectasis treated?

Bronchiectasis is a frequently chronic condition that can’t be cured. Even so, there are a variety of treatments that can reduce uncomfortable symptoms and improve your quality of life. Fivestar Pulmonary Associates might recommend:

• Prescription antibiotics to treat bacterial infections
• Drugs that limit mucus production
• Drugs that help you cough mucus out
• Physical therapy
• Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) devices

The goal of treatment is to reduce flare ups and help you breathe easier.

Can bronchiectasis be prevented?

There’s no way to prevent bronchiectasis entirely, but there are things you can do to lower your risk. Fivestar Pulmonary Associates recommends staying up to date on your vaccinations, avoiding pollutants, like smoke, and seeking treatment if you develop a lung infection.

To explore the treatment options for bronchiectasis, make an appointment at Fivestar Pulmonary Associates by calling the office or booking online today.