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Bronchiectasis
The manifestations of bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis refers to the destruction of bronchial wall tissues caused by chronic inflammation of the bronchi and surrounding lung tissues. The lumen undergoes irreversible dilation and deformation. Some patients have a history of recurrent respiratory tract infections, mainly presenting with chronic coughing and coughing up large amounts of thick sputum. Many patients have a history of repeated hemoptysis, although the amount of blood is usually small. There can be blood in the sputum or slight bleeding, and it can also manifest as a large amount of blood, potentially life-threatening. In the affected areas, fixed and persistent localized wet rales can be heard.
The first choice for the diagnosis of bronchiectasis
For the diagnosis of bronchiectasis, we can rely on the symptoms of the patients such as chronic cough, coughing up large amounts of purulent sputum, repeated hemoptysis, and history of lung infections. Physical examination of the lungs may reveal fixed and persistent localized wet crackles. For auxiliary examinations, we can combine X-ray and CT scans to find imaging changes consistent with bronchiectasis and make a diagnosis. The preferred method for a definitive diagnosis of bronchiectasis is high-resolution CT, and the diagnosis can be made based on the results of a high-resolution CT scan.
How to check for bronchiectasis?
How to check for bronchiectasis: generally, corresponding physical examinations and laboratory tests are used for diagnosis. Early physical examinations may not show positive signs. When the condition is severe or secondary bacterial infection occurs, fixed and persistent moist rales can be heard in the affected areas. Some patients may show signs of oxygen deficiency, such as clubbing and cyanosis. During acute infections, routine blood tests will show increased white blood cell counts and neutrophil counts. Sputum examination may reveal elastic fibers and pus cells. A chest X-ray can show thickened and disordered lung periphery, and typical lesions may appear as honeycomb-like curly shadows.
Is bronchiectasis easy to treat?
Bronchiectasis is a complication mainly caused by chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract and is clinically difficult to treat. Symptoms can be alleviated through certain medications or physical manipulations. First, it's important to maintain clear airways and choose medications that can dilute mucus. During the acute phase of inflammation, antibacterial drugs should be chosen for treatment, such as penicillin, which can be administered via muscle injection or intravenously. Surgery is the only curative treatment for bronchiectasis. (Medication use should be based on specific circumstances and under the guidance of a doctor.)
How long can one live with bronchiectasis?
This question is actually very difficult to answer because no doctor can predict exactly how long their patient will live. They can only provide a general prognosis of the disease. Bronchiectasis is relatively a benign condition. The prognosis for most patients depends mainly on the severity of the bronchiectasis and their comorbidities, among other factors. Generally, if a patient’s bronchiectasis is not very severe and mild, and does not affect lung function or is not compounded by other underlying diseases, they might experience long-term, recurrent coughing and sputum production, requiring long-term hospitalization. However, if they do not experience acute complications associated with bronchiectasis, such as asphyxiation caused by hemoptysis, then actually they can live for a long time. There are many patients who are in their seventies or eighties and frequently admitted to the hospital. When asked how long they have had bronchiectasis, their condition might span over forty or fifty years, or even longer. This means that patients with bronchiectasis can live for a long time, provided their condition is relatively stable and they don’t suffer from acute complications such as severe bleeding or asphyxiation. However, if the bronchiectasis is severe, or unfortunately, even if the bronchiectasis isn’t very severe, if a patient suffers from major hemoptysis, it can cause asphyxiation rapidly leading to death within minutes. Therefore, it is impossible for doctors to predict exactly how long each patient will live.
Does bronchiectasis cause fever?
Patients with bronchiectasis generally do not have a fever. However, if there is an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis or if there is an additional infection, they might develop a fever. In cases where patients with bronchiectasis exhibit a fever, it generally indicates an infection or that their condition may be more severe compared to those without a fever. Under such circumstances, anti-infection treatment might be required. Moreover, the duration of the fever and its maximum intensity can reflect the severity of the infection to a certain extent.
What tea is good for bronchiectasis?
Patients with bronchiectasis do not have special requirements for drinking tea; they can generally drink green tea, black tea, etc. These teas contain a higher amount of tea polyphenols, which have antioxidant and antibacterial effects and can also promote the body's metabolism. These are beneficial to patients with bronchiectasis. However, it is not recommended to drink excessively, especially before bedtime, as it may lead to insomnia or digestive system disorders. In summary, drinking green tea and black tea has certain benefits for patients with bronchiectasis.