A Simple Guide to Dilated Bronchi, Mucus Blockage (Bronchiectasis), Diagnosis, Treatment and Related Conditions

This book describes Dilated Bronchi, Mucus Blockage, Diagnosis and Treatment and Related DiseasesDilated Bronchi, Mucus Blockage (Bronchiectasis)Bronchiectasis is a not common pulmonary diseaseThis results in non reversible dilation of the bronchiBronchiectasis is the result of a chronic infection and inflammationThe infective process results in the medium-sized bronchi distensionThe bronchi become edematous and fill with excessive mucus secretionsThe elastic muscles of the bronchial wall are weakened resulting in dilatationMucus accumulates and results in repeated, serious lung infections.
More damage occurs to the air tubes resulting in air obstruction. Less oxygen is prevented from reaching the vital organs of the bodyThis may cause breathlessness, cough with sputum and heart diseaseChest x-ray showed raised bronchial fluid levels and tuberculosisA chest CT scan enhances the signs and confirms the bronchiectasisEarly diagnosis and treatment of bronchiectasis can prevent lung damage.
The best treatment is antibiotics for infections and postural drainageGood hydration also helps keep airway mucus moist and slipperyRemoval of airway mucus occurs once it is less thick and sticky.-An original poem by Kenneth KeeBronchiectasis is a not very common respiratory illness which results in non reversible dilation of the bronchi. This normally happens from chronic infection. Bronchiectasis is the result of airway damage and enlarging of the proximal and medium-sized airways.
Congenital bronchiectasis is the disorder when it is present at birth. Bronchiectasis is an abnormal destruction and widening of the bronchi due to recurrent inflammation or infection. The patient may be born with bronchiectasis (congenital) or may acquire it later in life as a result of other lung disorders. Acquired bronchiectasis happens later in life. Bronchiectasis happens as a result of an infection or other disorder that injures the walls of the airways or prevents the airways from clearing mucus.
The airways produce a slimy substance termed mucus which helps to remove inhaled bacteria, dust, and other small particles. The air tubes gradually lose their ability to remove the mucus in bronchiectasis. Mucus accumulates and produces an environment in which bacteria can grow. This leads to repeated, serious lung infections. Every time the air tubes are infected, more injuries happen to the air tubes.
Over a period of time the bronchi lose their capability to move air in and out. As a result inadequate oxygen is prevented from reaching the vital organs. Bronchiectasis results in serious health disorders, such as atelectasis (lung collapse), respiratory failure, and heart failure. Bronchiectasis can be unilateral or may involve many lobes of both lungs. There is irregular distribution of bronchial dilation in the lungs.
Bronchiectasis starts in childhood and lead to more lung damage. Manifestation of symptoms may not happen until months or even years after repeated lung infections. The classic medical manifestations of bronchiectasis are cough and mucopurulent sputum production, often persisting months to years. Less specific symptoms are dyspnea, hemoptysis, pleuritic chest pain, wheezing, weakness, and weight loss.
High-resolution CT (HRCT) scanning is the gold standard for the diagnosis of bronchiectasis. The purpose of treatment is regulating infections and bronchial secretionsTABLE OF CONTENTIntroductionChapter 1 Dilated Bronchi, Mucus BlockageChapter 2 CausesChapter 3 SymptomsChapter 4 DiagnosisChapter 5 TreatmentChapter 6 PrognosisChapter 7 Specific questions and answers ...