Overview
Bronchiectasis is characterised by permanent abnormal dilatation of the airways. It commonly presents with chronic productive cough, recurrent chest infections, breathlessness or occasional haemoptysis (coughing up blood). Identifying an underlying cause is an important part of evaluation.
Common Symptoms
- Chronic productive cough with sputum
- Recurrent chest infections
- Breathlessness
- Occasional haemoptysis (blood in sputum)
- Fatigue
- Wheeze
When to Consult a Pulmonologist
Consult if you have persistent productive cough, frequent chest infections, or have been told you have bronchiectasis on a CT scan.
How We Diagnose It
Evaluation includes CT chest, spirometry, sputum examination, blood tests for underlying causes (immunity, allergy, inflammatory conditions) and specialist review.
Treatment Approach
Management includes airway clearance techniques, appropriate antibiotic treatment for infections, vaccination, inhaled therapy where indicated, and management of the underlying cause.
