The manifestations of bronchiectasis

Written by Zou Zhong Lan
Pulmonology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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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.

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Is bronchiectasis contagious?

Bronchiectasis is relatively common clinically and is caused by destruction of the bronchial wall due to various reasons, leading to abnormal dilation of the bronchi. Common symptoms include repeated coughing, coughing up phlegm, and even hemoptysis. It can be definitively stated that bronchiectasis itself is not contagious. Contact with a person with bronchiectasis will not result in contracting bronchiectasis. However, in some cases, care should be taken when coming into contact with bronchiectasis patients. For example, some cases of bronchiectasis are caused by pulmonary tuberculosis, known as tuberculous bronchiectasis. Since pulmonary tuberculosis is contagious, in this scenario, there is contagion. However, it is the tuberculosis that is contagious, not the bronchiectasis itself.

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Treatment of bronchiectasis

I personally believe that prevention is more important than treatment for bronchiectasis, because effectively preventing disease episodes is more beneficial to the patient than long-term medication. Treatment usually involves using sensitive antibiotics, and prolonged use of antibiotics can lead to multi-drug resistant bacteria or infections by specific groups. Therefore, prevention is key. Preventing disease episodes generally includes maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, avoiding staying up late, smoking, emotional agitation, and excessive fatigue. Vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia can also be received annually to reduce the risk of infection.

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What medicine is used for bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis is particularly common clinically. The choice of medication for bronchiectasis needs to be determined based on the specific conditions of the patient. Generally, the aggravation of bronchiectasis is caused by recurrent infections, so controlling infections is fundamental in treatment. As for the application of antibiotics, the principle we follow is to select medications based on the different bacterial spectrums in different regions, with the most scientific method being the use of sensitive antibiotics identified through sputum bacterial culture and drug susceptibility tests. Additionally, we also use expectorants like ambroxol and bromhexine. If there is concurrent respiratory distress or a decline in lung function, inhalants such as budesonide-formoterol powder may also be used.

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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.

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How is bronchiectasis cured?

Bronchiectasis is a type of chronic respiratory disease characterized primarily by recurrent coughing and sputum production. Once diagnosed with bronchiectasis, it is incurable. Prevention is crucial, and the main reason for recurrent episodes of bronchiectasis is infection. Therefore, preventing infection is paramount, including annual vaccinations against influenza and pneumonia to prevent infections. Additionally, it is important to avoid excessive fatigue and extreme emotions, as these can trigger episodes of bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis is caused by chronic suppurative inflammation and fibrosis of the bronchi and surrounding lung tissue, leading to the destruction of the muscular and elastic tissues in the bronchial walls, resulting in deformation and permanent dilation of the bronchi.