Bronchiectasis Flashcards
Definition of bronchiectasis
Permanent dilation of the bronchi and bronchioles due to chronic infection
Infectious causes of bronchiectasis
TB, HIV, measles, pertusis pneumonia,
Causes of bronchiectasis
Bronchial obstruction, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, CF, primary ciliary dyskinesia, Kartagener’s syndrome, idiopathic, hypogammaglobulinaemia
Pathogens associated with bronchiectasis
H.influenza, pseudomonas aerginosa, strep pneumoniae, staph aureus
Symptoms and signs of bronchiectasis
Productive cough, purulent sputum, haemoptysis, clubbing, inspiratory course crepitations, dysopnoea, wheeze
Investigations into bronchiectasis
Spirometry, sputum culture, CXR, high-resolution CT, bronchoscopy
What does spirometry show
Obstructive pattern
What does CXR show
Thick bronchial walls, cystic appearance
What is bronchoscopy used for
Location of obstruction, haemoptysis or sample tissue
Conservative management of bronchiectasis
Education, support groups, chest physio and smoking cessation
Medical management of bronchiectasis
Abx, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, carbocysteine
Surgical management of bronchiectasis
Excision of localised areas of disease, transplant
