We did not find Bronchiectasis in Barranquilla, Colombia

What is bronchiectasis?

It is permanent widening and damage of the bronchi. Having lost their ability to clear mucus, the airways fill up, leading to repeated infections that cause further damage. It affects children and adults.

What causes it?

Previous severe infections such as pneumonia, whooping cough or tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, immunodeficiency, ciliary disorders, repeated aspiration, a foreign object not removed in time, some autoimmune diseases and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. In some cases no cause is found.

What symptoms does it cause?

Wet cough almost every day, sometimes with a lot of phlegm, frequent respiratory infections, fatigue, shortness of breath and occasionally coughing up blood. Diagnosis is confirmed with a high-resolution chest CT.

How is it treated?

The cornerstone is daily airway clearance with respiratory therapy and devices, exercise, prompt treatment of infections with antibiotics guided by sputum cultures, up-to-date vaccines and treatment of the underlying cause. For very frequent infections, the specialist may prescribe long-term therapy. In children, early management can keep damage from progressing.

Find bronchiectasis specialists

On MedicosDoc you can find pulmonologists, pediatric pulmonologists and respiratory therapists. Compare profiles and book your appointment.