How to manage bronchiectasis?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on November 15, 2024
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Firstly, sensitive antimicrobial agents should be chosen during the acute phase to control the infection, with the preferred medications being beta-lactam antibiotics. Penicillin-type drugs can be administered intravenously for anti-inflammatory treatment. Additionally, medications that dilute phlegm and relieve bronchial smooth muscle spasms should be selected to ease symptoms such as coughing and expectoration. If there is significant hemoptysis, hemostatic drugs should also be considered. For symptoms of respiratory distress accompanied by hypoxia, clinical treatments primarily include oxygen therapy to alleviate symptoms, focusing on symptomatic treatment.

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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 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 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.

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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 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.