lung and airway disorders
Bronchiectasis
Prevention of Bronchiectasis
Early identification and treatment of conditions that tend to cause bronchiectasis may prevent its development or reduce its severity. More than half the cases of bronchiectasis in children can be accurately diagnosed and promptly treated. Childhood Overview of Immunization against measles and pertussis (whooping cough), improved living conditions, and better nutrition have markedly reduced the number of people who develop bronchiectasis. Other specific steps that can be taken include the following: Receiving immunoglobulin for an immunoglobulin deficiency syndrome may prevent recurring infections. In people who have allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, using corticosteroids appropriately—and sometimes an antifungal medication (such asitraconazole)—may reduce the bronchial damage that results in bronchiectasis. Giving the enzyme alpha-1 antitrypsin to people with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency may help prevent the disorder from becoming more severe. Avoiding toxic fumes, gases, smoke, and injurious dusts also helps prevent bronchiectasis or reduce its severity. Watching what children put in their mouth can help prevent them from inhaling foreign objects into the airways. Avoiding oversedation due to medication, illicit drugs, or alcohol and seeking medical care for neurologic symptoms (such as impaired consciousness) or gastrointestinal symptoms (such as difficulty in swallowing and regurgitation or coughing after eating) may help to prevent aspiration. Avoiding use ofmineral oilor petroleum jelly in the nose may prevent accidental inhalation of these substances into the lungs. 