Control Bronchiectasis at Its Root through Early Diagnosis & Treatment

Posted by aradigm on December 20th, 2016

The permanent enlargement or damage of your bronchial tubes will generate an ailing physical condition, known as bronchiectasis. The damaged air-passages will let bacteria and mucus build up in your lungs. This will result in chronic infections and blockages in your airways. You keep the weakening symptoms bronchiectasis under control through preventative therapies. The permanent cure of this disease has yet not been found. The researchers are working relentlessly to find a cure for this debilitating health condition.

Main Culprits

If you have weak immune system, a prolonged viral infection may cause enlargement of your bronchial tubes. The viral infections may include flu, staphylococcus infections or tuberculosis. If you have untreated GERD, you may breathe in stomach acids frequently. This may generate bronchiectasis in near future. The inhalation of harmful foreign objects, such as nicotine filled fume, may result in bronchiectasis.

Other health conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, HIV or uncontrolled diabetes, may let bronchiectasis develop within your system. Cystic fibrosis is known to cause bronchiectasis more than any other physiological disorders. It is a hereditary disease. The mucus builds up in lungs and other organs due to this physical ailment. The repeated infections lead to bronchiectasis.

Apparent Symptoms

It may take you months or years to notice the symptoms of bronchiectasis in its full form. These symptoms may surface only during the advance stage of this disorder. You may produce yellowish to greenish mucus every day through frequent coughing. You may witness shortness of breath, fevers and chill during exacerbations. You may feel tired and experience a wheezing noise during exacerbations. If you develop hemoptysis, you may also cough up blood or bloody mucus. You may also develop foul breath, bluish rough skin and weight loss along with continuous coughing. These symptoms are the telltale signs of bronchiectasis.

Diagnosing Process

The medical advice of a qualified physician is necessary for the successful control of this disease. The physician may scan your lungs to rule out any abnormal sound or evidence of airway blockage. A complete blood panel and sputum test will be necessary to identify the disease-causing virus or bacterium. The pulmonary function tests will help the physician determine the air-flow movements within your lungs. The purified protein derivative will help your doctor rule out the presence of tuberculosis.

Preventative Treatment Options

You may not find a permanent cure for this disease. Some medications and manipulative therapies may help you keep the symptoms at control. Your primary aim is to keep the future bronchial infections at bay. The prescribed antibiotics will help you fight infection victoriously. The mucus thinning medications and expectorants will let you coughing up excess mucus.

You also need to prevent further airway obstructions to curb additional damages to the lungs. The bronchodilators, such as albuterol and tiotropium, will keep your airways open. You may also use the high-frequency chest-wall oscillation vests. This efficient device will gently compress and release your chest. These movements mimic the coughing motions and will help you dislodge mucus from the walls of bronchial tubes.

You may notice bloody mucus in advance stages of bronchiectasis. You may require bronchial drainage or surgery at this stage. You will require the supervision of a qualified physician for early diagnosis, treatment and control of this disease.

About the Author:

The writer is an expert in the field of Smoking Cessation with focus on Non-Cf Bronchiectasis