Other causes of similar symptoms include asthma, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, bronchiectasis, and COPD. Cystic fibrosis eventually results in severe bronchiectasis in nearly all cases. HRCT may be diagnostic for conditions such as emphysema or bronchiectasis. Chest percussion and postural drainage are used in bronchiectasis and lung abscess. Singh was mild-mannered and well-educated but gravely ill with bronchiectasis and emphysema. It is seen in cases of bronchiectasis, lung abscess, or an advanced stage of bronchitis. Additionally, surgery is used to remove an airway obstruction that is contributing to bronchiectasis. Several autoimmune diseases have been associated with bronchiectasis. The case involved a 39-year-old who had recurrent infections, bronchiectasis, and meningitis. It is suspected that Osler himself died of complications from undiagnosed bronchiectasis. In later stages, changes to the structure of the lung, such as bronchiectasis, occur. Recent studies have also shown Nocardia infections to been implicated in bronchiectasis. People with bronchiectasis may have bad breath from active infection. Postural drainage is essential in treating bronchiectasis. The "vicious cycle" theory is the generally accepted explanation for the pathogenesis of bronchiectasis.