lung and airway disorders
Bronchiectasis
Diagnosis of Bronchiectasis
Chest x-ray Computed tomography Pulmonary function tests Specific tests for suspected causes Doctors may suspect bronchiectasis because of a person’s symptoms or the presence (currently or in the past) of a condition thought to cause bronchiectasis. Tests are done to Confirm the diagnosis Assess the extent of the disease Identify the cause of the disease Chest Imaging can often detect the lung changes caused by bronchiectasis. However, occasionally, x-ray results are normal. Computed tomography (CT) is the most accurate test to identify and confirm the diagnosis and to determine the extent and severity of the disease. Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) are done to assess how well the lungs are working. These tests measure how well the lungs are able to hold air, to move air in and out, and to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. Pulmonary function tests do not diagnose bronchiectasis but do help doctors determine how severe the lung disorder is and are useful for monitoring its progression over time. After bronchiectasis is diagnosed, tests are often done to check for disorders that may be causing or contributing to it. Such tests may include the following: Testing for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection and other immune system and autoimmune disorders Measuring the salt level in sweat (which is abnormal in people with ) Testing nasal, bronchial, or sputum specimens for evidence of infectious organisms Doing other tests to determine if the cilia are structurally or functionally defective Testing for Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis , When bronchiectasis is limited to one area—for example, a lung lobe or segment—doctors may do a Bronchoscopy to determine whether an inhaled foreign object or lung tumor is the cause. Sweat chloride tests and genetic testing for may be needed when there is a family history, repeated respiratory infections, or other unusual findings in a child or adult, even when other typical features of cystic fibrosis are absent. Doctors may take a sputum sample and send it to a laboratory to grow (culture) the bacteria to determine which bacteria are present and what antibiotics are most effective against these bacteria. This testing can help determine the best antibiotics to use during flares. 