How to cure bronchiectasis?

Written by Yang Feng
Pulmonology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Bronchiectasis is caused by chronic suppurative inflammation and fibrosis of the bronchi and the surrounding lung tissue, damaging the muscles and elastic tissues of the bronchial walls, leading to deformation and permanent dilation of the bronchi. Bronchiectasis is chronic in formation, thus once diagnosed, it is incurable. Prevention is very important. The main cause of recurrent episodes of bronchiectasis is infection, so preventing infections is crucial. It is advised to consume a high-quality protein diet, participate in appropriate physical activities, and get annual vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia to prevent infections.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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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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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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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.)

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Bronchiectasis is what?

The basic cause of bronchiectasis is due to infection of the bronchi and lung tissue, as well as bronchial blockage. Infections can cause blockages, and blockages can also lead to infections. The two influence each other, promoting the occurrence and development of bronchiectasis. This results in damage to the bronchial walls and leads to a large amount of purulent sputum, mainly due to an increase in secretions. Additionally, chronic infection or fibrosis of the lung tissue can also lead to bronchial dilation, causing the bronchial walls to dilate and become congested.

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Written by Zou Zhong Lan
Pulmonology
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How is bronchiectasis treated?

The treatment of bronchiectasis mainly includes medical treatment and surgical treatment. Medical treatment primarily aims to control infection and promote the drainage of sputum. Antibiotics are crucial for controlling infections, initially based on empirical therapy. Adjustments can be made accordingly if results from sputum culture and drug sensitivity tests are available. Secondly, to promote sputum drainage, we can use postural drainage or mechanical vibration to expel sputum. Expectorant medications such as ambroxol and bromhexine, or nebulized inhalation therapy may also be utilized. Thirdly, bronchodilators can be used to relieve asthma symptoms and ease the patient's discomfort. If the patient has hemoptysis, hemostatic treatment should be provided. Surgical treatment is primarily considered for patients with localized bronchiectasis and when medical treatment is ineffective, in which case surgical resection may be considered.

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Written by Yang Feng
Pulmonology
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Can bronchiectasis be treated with nebulization?

Patients with bronchiectasis can undergo nebulized inhalation, and nebulized inhalation has a very good therapeutic effect for the treatment of bronchiectasis. Commonly used nebulized medications include budesonide suspension and terbutaline nebulizer solution, among others. These medications work to dilate the bronchi and relieve airway spasms. For patients with excessive phlegm, these treatments can promote expectoration. They are also very effective for patients with bronchiectasis-caused breathing difficulties. Furthermore, there is now literature proving that inhaling budesonide suspension has a good anti-inflammatory effect on lower respiratory tract infections and helps in the absorption of inflammation.