Bronchiectasis

Respiratory (12%) Core Clinical Conditions

2B The Physician Associate is able to undertake the day to day management of the patient and condition once the diagnosis and strategic management decisions have been made by another.

Jump to content

Definition Aetiology Pathophysiology Risk factor Sign and Symptoms Investigations Management

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition characterised by an abnormal widening and loss of elasticity of the bronchi/bronchioles.

• Persistent respiratory infections, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.

• Obstruction of the airways caused by an inhaled foreign object or a tumour.

• Genetic disorders e.g. including cystic fibrosis or primary ciliary dyskinesia.

• Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome.

1. There is an impairment of the normal clearance of mucus and bacteria.

2. Accumulation of mucus = ideal environment for bacteria growth/colonisation.

3. Persistent infections and inflammation damage the airways over time, perpetuating the cycle of dilation and poor clearance.

• Recurrent respiratory infections.

• Genetic factors.

• Immunodeficiency.

• Chronic lung diseases: e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or TB.

• Autoimmune diseases: e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

• Environmental factors: e.g. environmental pollutants, toxic fumes, or some occupational hazards.

• Age: older individuals are at higher risk.

• Productive cough.

• Breathlessness.

• Haemoptysis.

• Chest pain.

• Coarse crackles.

• Wheeze.

• Sputum culture.

• Chest X-ray.

• Spirometry.

• Blood test: FBC (raised WCC), raised CRP.

• Important to perform a sputum culture.

• Empirical treatment: amoxicillin is 1st line treatment.

Jump to other topics below: