lung and airway disorders
Bronchiectasis
Treatment of Bronchiectasis
Vaccination to prevent infections that cause or worsen bronchiectasis Antibiotics to treat infections that cause or worsen bronchiectasis Drainage of airway secretions with therapies that promote cough (such as, chest physical therapy, regular exercise, other techniques Inhaled medications that help thin or loosen thick mucus so it can be more easily coughed out Inhaled bronchodilators and sometimes inhaled corticosteroids Sometimes, oral or inhaled antibiotics to suppress certain bacteria and prevent recurring infections Rarely, surgical removal of part of lung Oxygen therapy, if needed Treatment of bronchiectasis is directed toward reducing the frequency of infections when possible, preventing certain infections with vaccines and sometimes antibiotics, decreasing the buildup of mucus, decreasing inflammation, and relieving airway blockage. Early, effective treatment can reduce complications such as hemoptysis, low oxygen levels in the blood, respiratory failure, and Cor Pulmonale . Treatment of underlying conditions that cause or contribute to flares is also needed. (exacerbations) are treated with antibiotics, bronchodilators, and Chest Physical Therapy to promote drainage of secretions and mucus. Chest physiotherapy includes such techniques as Bronchiectasis was first identified in 1819 by the same man who invented the stethoscope. may be helped by humidification of the air and inhaling an aerosolized salt water solution. Medications that thin the thick sputum (mucolytics) may also be given to people who have . In other people, the effectiveness of mucolytics is uncertain. can be detected and treated by Bronchoscopy before severe damage occurs. Significantbleeding with coughis sometimes treated with a technique called embolization instead of surgery. In embolization, doctors use a catheter to inject a substance that blocks the vessel that is bleeding. are treated with Oxygen Therapy . Appropriate use of oxygen may help prevent complications such as Rarely, part of a lung needs to be surgically removed. Such surgery usually is an option only if the disease is confined to one lung or, preferably, to one lung lobe or segment. Surgery may be considered for people who have recurrent infections despite treatment or who cough up large amounts of blood. in some people—mostly those who also have advanced cystic fibrosis—can be treated with Lung and Heart-Lung Transplantation . Pulmonary function (as measured by the amount of air in the lungs and the rate and amount of air moving in and out of the lungs with each breath) usually improves within 6 months, and the improvement may be sustained for at least 5 years. Prognosis for people with bronchiectasis depends on its cause and on how well infections and other complications are prevented or controlled. People with coexisting conditions, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or 