Bronchiectasis Flashcards
1
Q
what is bronchiectasis?
A
permanent dilatation of the airways due to chronic infection or inflammation
2
Q
what are causes of bronchiectasis?
A
infection - TB - pneumonia - pertusis - measles cystic fibrosis lung cancer allergic bornchopulmonary aspergillus cillary dyskinetic syndrome yellow nail syndrome immune deficiency (e.g. hypogammaglobinaemia)
3
Q
how is bronchiectasis managed?
A
physiotherapy
postural drainage
antibiotics for exacerbations +/- long term antibiotics
vaccinations
bronchodilator therapy (SABA)
supplementary oxygen therapy in selected patients
4
Q
what signs on examination might you illicit in a patient with bronchiectasis?
A
finger clubbing
coarse inspiratory crackles on inspiration
wheeze on auscultation
5
Q
what are features of bronchiectasis on CXR and CT chest?
A
tram-track lines
signet ring signs (seen on CT)
6
Q
what is the most common causative organism in exacerbations of bronchiectasis?
A
haemophilus influenza
