Bronchiectasis Flashcards
1
Q
What is Bronchiectasis?
A
Permanent dilation of the airways due to chronic inflammation.
2
Q
What are the two categories for causes of bronchiectasis?
A
Congenital and acquired
3
Q
What are examples of congenital bronchiectasis?
A
- cystic fibrosis
- Young’s syndrome
- Kartagener’s syndrome
4
Q
What are examples of acquired bronchiectasis?
A
- tumour formation
- rheumatoid arthritis
- inflammatory bowel syndrome
5
Q
What investigations should be carried out if you suspect bronchiectasis?
A
- bloods
- CXR
- Sputum culture
6
Q
What do you expect to see on a CXR in bronchiectasis?
A
Tram track consolidation
7
Q
What is the treatment for bronchiectasis?
A
ABCDS
- Antibiotics
- Bronchodilators
- Corticosteroids
- Postural drainage
- Surgery (if indicated)
8
Q
What occurs in bronchiectasis?
A
- Infection in smaller airways
- Results in inflammation
- Release of inflammatory mediators
- Impairing the ciliary function
- Cant push pathogens back up via mucus nor keep them out
- Thus allowing bacterial penetration and tissue damage
- Leads to airway dilation
9
Q
What are the signs of bronchiectasis?
A
- clubbing
- crepitations
- coarse inspiratory crackling
10
Q
What are the symptoms of bronchiectasis?
A
- purulent sputum
- fever
- persistant cough
