Bronchiectasis
last authored:
last reviewed:
Introduction
Bronchiectasis is the permanent dilation of bronchi and bronchioles caused by muscle and elastic tissue following necrotizing infection. A large volume of bad-smelling sputum is produced.
The Case of...
a simple case introducing clincial presentation and calling for a differential diagnosis to get students thinking.
Causes and Risk Factors
Causes include:
cystic fibrosis and other congenital conditions
postinfectious conditions, including necrotizing pneumonia caused by bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas, etc; viruses, such as adenovirus, influenza virus, or HIV, and fungi such as Aspergillus.
bronchial obstruction, due to tumours, foreign bodies, and occasionally mucus impaction
inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, inflammatory bowel disease, and post-transplantation events.
Pathophysiology
Bronchiectasis is characterized by permanent dilation, rather than the reversible phenomenon associated with viral or bacterial pneumonia. Airways can be dilated up to four times their normal size.
Both obstruction and infection occur in bronchiectasis, though one may precede the other. Primary obstruction can lead to pooling of secretions distal to the blockage, with airway inflammation.
Signs and Symptoms
- history
- physical exam
History
Bronchiectasis is a serious infection, resulting in fever, cough, and copious amounts of bad-smelling sputum.
Symptoms can be eisodic.
Dyspnea and orthopnea occur in severe cases.
Physical Exam
Investigations
- lab investigations
- diagnostic imaging
Lab Investigations
Diagnostic Imaging
Differential Diagnosis
Treatments
Consequences and Course
Resources and References
Topic Development
authors:
reviewers:
 |