W3 - Bronchiectasis

Question 1

Define bronchiectasis

Answer 1

Permanent abnormal dilation ofone or more bronchi

Question 2

Pathology of bronchiectasis

Answer 2

Impaired mucocilliary clearance causes accumulation of mucus
This accumulation leads to infection by bacteria
This infection causes more mucus production, more impaired ciliary performance & triggers an inflammatory response
The excessive pe inflammatory response causes tissue damage
The tissue damage dilates the bronchi, loss of ciliates epithelium & impaired mucocilliary clearance

Question 3

Causes of bronchiectasis

Answer 3

Idiopathic
Infection in childhood
Cystic fibrosis
Immunodeficiency
Ciliary dysfunction

Question 4

Clinical features of bronchiectasis

Answer 4

Cough & chronic sputum production
75% have dyspneoa & wheezing
50% have chest pain
1/3 have signs of chronic sinusitis & nasal polyps
Recurrent exacerbations are common
50% experience haemoptysis

Question 5

Ways of Diagnosing bronchiectasis

Answer 5

Chest X-ray
High resolution computed tomographyy (HRCT)
Bloods & sputum microbiology
Pulmonary function tests

Question 6

Name the 3 types of bronchiectasis

Answer 6

Saccukar
Cylindrical
Varicose

Question 7

What is saccular bronchiectasis

Answer 7

Occurs in large bronchi that become large & balloon like

Question 8

What is cylindrical bronchiectasis

Answer 8

Involves medium sized bronchi which usually are symmetrically dilated

Question 9

What is varicose bronchiectasis

Answer 9

Constrictions & dilations deform the bronchi

Question 10

Symptoms of acute exacerbation

Answer 10

Change in sputum production
Increased dyspnoea
Increased temperature above 38
Increased cough and wheezing
Fatigue & reduced exercise tolerance

Question 11

Treatment for bronchiectasis

Answer 11

Physio
IV/oral=nasal antibiotics
Bronchodilators
Steroids
Nasal sprays
Fly & pneumococcal vaccines
Surgery