Bronchiectasis is a serious lung disease that is associated to bronchial tubes. Medical experts reveal that when these tubes in the lungs get permanently widened, thickened or damaged, the condition is described as Bronchiectasis. These vandalised air passages allow mucus and bacteria to pool inside the lungs leading to frequent infections and airway clogging. The sad truth is that there is no cure available for Bronchiectasis but professionals believe that this disease is manageable. If patients receive the correct  Bronchiectasis treatment are:

 

Common causes of Bronchiectasis:

There are two major categories of Bronchiectasis causes; the first one is related to CF or Cystic Fibrosis and is caused by genetic issues. When a child is affected with CF Bronchiectasis, it leads to improper developed of mucus in the body. The second category is named, non-CF Bronchiectasis. There are so many conditions that can cause non-CF Bronchiectasis:

 

• Lung infections such as tuberculosis and whooping cough
• Allergic aspergillosis
• HIV
• Deficiency of alpha 1-antitrypsin
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD)
• Autoimmune disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Inappropriate functioning of the immune system

 

Some of the common signs and symptoms associated with this disease are fatigue, weight loss, chest pain, chronic cough, shortness of breath, abnormal breathing sounds, frequent respiratory infections, and coughing with blood. If you observe any of these Bronchiectasis symptoms then it is advisable to consult a medical professional urgently. 

 

Bronchiectasis treatment:

We have already mentioned that there is no permanent cure for Bronchiectasis but a few treatments can help you to deal with this medical issue. The major goal of Bronchiectasis treatment is to bring infections under control so that lung damage can be minimised. Some of the most commonly available treatments are:

 

• Oxygen therapy
• Mucus thinning medications
• Bronchodilators such as Spiriva and Proventil to avail relief from airway clogging
• Antibiotics
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Chest physiotherapy and breathing exercises to clean up airways 

 

How to prevent Bronchiectasis?

 

The common saying is, “Prevention is always better than cure” and it absolutely holds true for dangerous diseases like Bronchiectasis. It is important to follow some preventive steps to stay safe from Bronchiectasis. Below are few most recommended prevention options for Bronchiectasis symptoms:

 

• Hand hygiene: Never forget to wash hands with good quality soap, especially before eating and right after touching communal surfaces. Prefer to keep a cleanser or sanitiser in your bag.
• Dental hygiene: Most germs multiply in spaces found in the mouth. Consult your dentists on regular basis and brush twice a day.
• Avoid contact with infected people: Be careful in large crowds, especially in flu and cold season.
• When ill, stay at home: Take care of yourself instead of infecting others at the workplace.

At Philips, our main objective is to aid rapid recovery and assist you in every way possible with the best of our products, technology and services. To find out how we can help you recover faster, please visit us at

https://www.philips.co.in/healthcare/homecare/respiratory-diseases/bronchiectasis