The first choice for the diagnosis of bronchiectasis

Written by Zou Zhong Lan
Pulmonology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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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.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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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.

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Written by Li Tao
Pulmonology
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Bronchial dilation diagnostic methods

Bronchiectasis refers to the inflammation of the bronchi and surrounding lung tissue caused by various diseases and etiologies. This inflammation leads to the destruction of the muscles and some elastic tissues of the bronchial walls, resulting in the deformation and persistent dilation of the bronchi, which cannot recover, collectively known as bronchiectasis. The definitive diagnosis of bronchiectasis is most commonly based on clear clinical symptoms such as significant coughing, phlegm production, and hemoptysis; secondly, cystic and cylindrical dilations in the patient’s bronchi can be clearly seen through chest CT and high-resolution CT, allowing for a direct diagnosis of bronchiectasis.

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Written by Yang Feng
Pulmonology
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Is bronchiectasis easy to treat?

Firstly, bronchiectasis is incurable, but its treatability cannot be judged solely by whether it can be cured or not. Some bronchiectasis patients have no clinical symptoms, and such patients do not need treatment. They only need regular check-ups and to maintain proper lifestyle habits. However, for patients who experience frequent disease attacks, strict prevention is necessary to avoid triggers such as infections and fatigue. Using sensitive medications during disease flare-ups can also lead to improvement.

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Written by Zou Zhong Lan
Pulmonology
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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.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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Symptoms of bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis exhibits many symptoms, but the most common are chronic cough and sputum production. The amount of sputum in bronchiectasis can vary greatly from person to person, and to some extent, it can reflect the severity of the condition. Some patients may have significant coughing and sputum production, with sputum amounts reaching over one hundred milliliters per day. In others, the condition may be more stable, with only a few milliliters of sputum per day. Additionally, patients with bronchiectasis may experience hemoptysis, which often recurs and can manifest as blood-streaked sputum, minor bleeding, or sudden severe bleeding. Significant bleeding can be particularly dangerous, potentially leading to death within minutes. Bronchiectasis can also cause recurrent lung infections and chronic long-term infection, which may be accompanied by fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, anemia, and other symptoms.