{"id":1669,"date":"2021-04-01T17:33:38","date_gmt":"2021-04-01T17:33:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/?p=1669"},"modified":"2021-04-01T17:33:38","modified_gmt":"2021-04-01T17:33:38","slug":"what-is-bronchiectasis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/what-is-bronchiectasis\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Bronchiectasis?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you develop bronchiectasis, your airways become inflamed and widened, and their ability to move mucus away becomes limited due to the destruction of cilia. This results in the accumulation of mucus in the airways, which will most likely lead to infection. Therefore, the treatment for bronchiectasis aims to prevent further damage to your lungs by stopping the infection, expelling mucus and reducing your symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

If left unchecked, bronchiectasis will make breathing quite difficult, and you might start coughing as a result. This condition must get attended to before it leads to further complications. Additionally, the airways’ structure is such that any damage that occurs to them is irreversible; therefore, it’s best to keep the damage to a minimum.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Common Is Bronchiectasis?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The risk of getting this condition increases as one gets older. Statistics show that one out of every 150 individuals over the age of 75 years or older has bronchiectasis. However, it is important to note that while it’s mainly a condition affecting the elderly, young people can also get it.<\/span><\/p>\n

In adults, the disease is much more prevalent in women than men. Surprisingly, bronchiectasis in children shows the exact opposite distribution; boys tend to get bronchiectasis more than girls. Fortunately, the research available shows that it’s very rare for infants to be born with this condition.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Are the Risk Factors Associated With Bronchiectasis?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The following are some of the conditions that increase one’s risk of getting bronchiectasis:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \u00a0Chronic inflammation of the lungs<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. \u00a0Cystic fibrosis<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Severe lung infections, including tuberculosis and pneumonia<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. A suppressed immune system<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Repeated aspiration of foreign bodies like food.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \"Doctor<\/h2>\n

    Causes of Bronchiectasis<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Bronchiectasis occurs when the airways of the lungs become damaged and widened. This can occur as a result of an infection or other related conditions. Sometimes the cause of bronchiectasis is not clear.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Because of their anatomy, the human lungs are continuously exposed to microorganisms that can cause diseases. To counter this, your lungs have complex defense systems that keep them free from infection. If either bacteria or a virus manages to evade these defenses, the body will launch an attack by sending white blood cells to the location.<\/span><\/p>\n

    As they fight the infection, the white blood cells release chemicals that cause the surrounding tissues to inflame. This inflammation is a normal reaction, and in most people, it passes without creating any problems. However, it damages the elastic-like tissues and muscles in the bronchi walls when prolonged, causing them to become wider.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The damaged bronchi becomes filled with mucus, which triggers persistent coughing making your lungs more vulnerable to infection. A repetition of this cycle leads to chronic bronchiectasis, which causes further damage and worsens the condition. Medications for bronchiectasis are therefore targeted at removing mucus and dealing with the accompanying inflammation and infection.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Common Causes<\/b><\/h3>\n

    In 50% of all bronchiectasis cases, doctors cannot pinpoint the exact causes. The following factors predispose or put people at risk of developing the condition.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Immune Suppression<\/b><\/h4>\n

    Bronchiectasis has been known to occur in people that have a weakened immune system. This makes their lungs more vulnerable to infection and, therefore, tissue damage. Some individuals are born with an immune deficiency, while others acquire it due to diseases like HIV.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA)<\/b><\/h4>\n

    Bronchiectasis can develop as a complication of the allergic condition known as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). People with this condition are allergic to aspergillus. Aspergillus is a fungus that is found in different environments worldwide.<\/span><\/p>\n

    When a person with ABPA breathes in the fungal spores of aspergillus, their immune system reacts by launching a prolonged inflammatory reaction. This reaction can then progress and turn into chronic bronchiectasis in children and adults alike.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Aspiration<\/b><\/h4>\n

    Aspiration occurs when stomach contents accidentally pass into the lungs. The lungs are quite sensitive to foreign bodies, and their presence can lead to an inflammatory reaction. If the inflammatory reaction is sustained and lasts longer than necessary, it then turns into bronchiectasis.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Cystic fibrosis<\/b><\/h4>\n

    Cystic fibrosis is a common genetic condition characterized by excessive mucus in the lungs. When mucus accumulates, it provides the perfect conditions for bacteria to multiply, which leads to infection and signs of bronchiectasis.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Abnormal Cilia<\/b><\/h4>\n

    The duty of cilia in the lungs is to protect the airways and carry away excess mucus. If cilia are unable to perform their function, bronchiectasis can occur.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Conditions that lead to abnormal cilia include Young’s disease and primary ciliary dyskinesia. The former is caused by exposure to mercury, while the latter is a genetic disorder.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Connective Tissue Disorders<\/b><\/h4>\n

    Certain inflammatory diseases are sometimes implicated as the causes of bronchiectasis.<\/span><\/p>\n

    These include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n