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pm | Re: Bronchiectasis Guideline (21st Jan 14 at 12:01pm UTC) | | What is Bronchiectasis?
Children with Obliterative Bronchiolitis can often have Bronchiectasis too. Bronchiectasis is an irreversible dilation or widening of the bronchiole tree (the branching tubes that carry air to the lungs). The bronchi are enlarged, inflamed and collapse easily. This means that the mucus that is normally carried away by tiny hairs (cilia) gets blocked. Mucus builds up and spills over into other tubes and these are more likely to be infected by bacteria. This then causes inflammation and damage called Bronchiectasis. Symptoms include
Coughing up phlegm in large amounts everyday. This can be exhausting and embarrassing. Wheezy shortness of breath Sinusitis Coughing up blood- haemoptysis Joint pain
Tests include
CT Scan Lung function tests Blood tests Sweat tests Bronchoscopy
Treatment may include
Exercise – to help loosen mucus Daily Physiotherapy- coughing exercises Anti-biotic to treat infections. Anti-biotic given prophylatically (you may hear this term used) help to protect against and slow the course of an illness or disease. Nasal sprays for nose or sinus infection http://www.breathtakers.org.uk/index.php/what-is-ob | |
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