Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition in which the bronchial tubes of the lungs are permanently widened, thickened, and damaged. These tubes are branches between your lungs and the trachea, and for those dealing with bronchiectasis, the walls become damaged and thickened. Also, causing mucus and bacteria to accumulate and pool in the lungs, bringing about frequent blockages and infections of the airways leading to difficulties in breathing and flare-ups associated with extreme breathing difficulty.
There’s yet be a cure for this lung disease, but it’s manageable. With treatment, patients can lead a normal life. However, flare-ups need immediate treatment to avoid depriving other body organs of oxygen and inhibit further damage to the lungs.
Signs & Symptoms of Bronchiectasis
The buildup of mucus and consequent bacteria results in repeated cycles of obstruction, infection, and inflammation of the lungs and airways. Most times it develops gradually, bronchiectasis symptoms may not be evident immediately, usually months and years, after the predisposing event causing this chronic disease to develop initially.
Some typical signs and symptoms of bronchiectasis include:
Coughing up green or yellow mucus every day
Chills and/or fevers which usually developed during exacerbations
Whistling or a wheezing sound while breathing
Coughing up phlegm stained with blood or blood, a condition known as hemoptysis
Feeling tired or run-down, mostly experienced during an exacerbation.
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Weight loss
Changes in the structure of toenails and fingernails, a condition known as clubbing
Frequent infection of the lungs [1]
