Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis represents irreversible bronchial dilatation. It can be focal or diffuse, and usually results from chronic infection, proximal airway obstruction, or a congenital bronchial abnormality. Traction bronchiectasis refers to irregular bronchial dilatation in the setting of surrounding pulmonary fibrosis. Patients with cystic fibrosis have a progressively worsening clinical course, with recurrent pneumonias and chronic airway colonization. Even with lung transplantation and modern antibiotic therapies, average life expectancy of cystic fibrosis patients remains limited to young adulthood. Non-cystic fibrosis related bronchiectasis can cause chronic cough and recurrent lung infection. Pulmonary function testing often reveals evidence of obstruction. Treatment of patients with mild to moderate bronchiectasis involves supportive care with bronchodilators, antibiotics, and other medical therapy. Surgical resection is uncommon, and usually reserved for cases of significant bronchiectasis limited to a single region of the lungs (such as a particular lobe or segment).