What to do if bronchiectasis causes chest tightness?

Written by Yang Feng
Pulmonology
Updated on September 20, 2024
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Patients with bronchiectasis often experience chest tightness, usually due to infections and a decline in lung function, so an initial effective pulmonary imaging examination is necessary. If an infection is present, actively controlling the infection can alleviate symptoms. Furthermore, lung function tests should be further refined. If there is concomitant ventilatory dysfunction and reduced lung function, inhaling bronchodilators or corticosteroids can improve symptoms. Since bronchiectasis is incurable once diagnosed, effective prevention is also very important. In summary, the causes of chest tightness in bronchiectasis are infections and decreased lung function.

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Written by Yang Feng
Pulmonology
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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.

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Written by Yang Feng
Pulmonology
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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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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 Yang Feng
Pulmonology
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How to cure bronchiectasis?

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 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.