Via practica 1/2013

Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis are irreversible, abnormal dilatations of bronchi, accompanied by inflammation of the bronchial wall and peribronchial tissue. Retention of mucus and frequent recurrent infections lead to the disease progression. The clinical picture is varied and may include particularly productive cough with extensive expectoration, sometimes haemoptysis. To establish a diagnosis, in addition to anamnesis, objective examination, chest X rays, high resolution computed tomography is applied. It is the basis in diagnostics and completely replaced bronchography. In the treatment the targeted use of antibiotics, mucolytics, expectorants, inhalation corticosteroids and rehabilitation are used. Surgical intervention – resection is currently an exceptional solution and it is implemented in the event of recurrent hemoptysis.

Keywords: bronchiectasis, diagnostics, clinical picture, complications, treatment