Common Causes of Bronchiectasis

Receiving a medical diagnosis can feel like a double-edged sword. There can be relief in putting a name to your symptoms and more questions about your condition, now that you know what it is. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with bronchiectasis, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 500,000 adults in the United States have been diagnosed with bronchiectasis. ¹

The only way to accurately diagnose this condition is with a high-resolution chest computerized tomography (HRCT) scan. If your clinician has confirmed your diagnosis using this method, you might wonder what causes bronchiectasis and whether it is contagious. Let’s explore the most common causes and address some frequently asked questions.

What Is the Most Common Cause of Bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis causes vary depending on age and region, and can be congenital or acquired. However, bronchiectasis is a result of damage caused by another lung condition, infection, or inflammation.

When you breathe, air fills your lungs through narrow passageways called the bronchial tubes (i.e., airways). When air is released back out from the lungs, it travels through these same passageways. Damage to this area, due to infections, inflammation, or airway blockage ², can cause your airways to widen over time, making it more difficult for them to mobilize and clear mucus from the lungs:

“Bronchiectasis describes the condition when the airway walls (bronchi) become irreversibly thickened and damaged. As more walls become scarred, the bronchi are no longer able to effectively drain normal secretions, so mucus builds up and becomes a breeding ground for germs. This creates a vicious cycle of inflammation and infection that eventually forms irregular airway pockets, leading to loss of lung function over time” ³.

More Bronchiectasis Causes to Know

Understanding bronchiectasis causes is key to early intervention and treatment. The condition can stem from:

• COPD
• Severe or repeated lung infections, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, and nontuberculous mycobacteria ⁴
• Genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis (CF) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) ⁵
• Obstruction from inhaled foreign objects or tumors ⁶
• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), a fungal infection ⁷
• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease ⁸
• Another reason you may have developed bronchiectasis is damaged cilia in the lungs.  Cilia are those tiny hair-like structures along your bronchi tube.

“In bronchiectasis, damage to the cilia in the bronchial tubes means they cannot sweep the particles and mucus upward. Instead, particles and mucus accumulate. The sputum becomes sticky and difficult to move, even with coughing…leading to infections, further damage, and more sputum,” ⁹.

Bronchiectasis-COPD Overlap Syndrome

COPD and asthma (obstructive lung diseases) may lead to bronchiectasis. It is estimated that up to 69% of individuals with COPD also have bronchiectasis on their HRCT. The condition of having both COPD and bronchiectasis is called Bronchiectasis-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (BCOS). People with BCOS are at a greater risk of developing pneumonia or having a pulmonary exacerbation. ¹⁰

Unfortunately, too often, the connection between related conditions results in bronchiectasis being misdiagnosed or undiagnosed.

Unknown Causes

According to the American Lung Association, although we can identify common causes of bronchiectasis, the causes behind approximately 40% of cases remain unknown (idiopathic bronchiectasis). ¹¹

Though the exact cause might never be known, the effects on your lungs and airways remain the same.

Is Bronchiectasis Contagious?

No, bronchiectasis is not contagious. Bronchiectasis develops from repeated damage to the lungs and as a result of an underlying condition, such as cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

However, individuals with bronchiectasis are at higher risk for developing infections, which can perpetuate the “vicious vortex” cycle. ¹²

But a person cannot develop bronchiectasis simply because a close friend or loved one is living with it.

I Have Bronchiectasis. Now What?

Let’s review questions that may circle your mind after you receive a bronchiectasis diagnosis:

How will this condition affect my quality of life?

Bronchiectasis can cause the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Repeated respiratory infections
• Chronic cough
• Excess mucus production
• Fatigue
• Tightness of chest

When symptoms are not managed regularly, you can experience an exacerbation (i.e., worsening symptoms). When this happens, you may require certain medications or even hospitalization, depending on the severity of your symptoms.

This can make you feel anxious or upset, which brings us to another question you may have:

What if I can’t do the activities I love?

Bronchiectasis can impact your quality of life. If you’re having trouble breathing, you might worry about missing out on your favorite activities.

With the right airway clearance therapy, you never need to live in fear of your condition or let it prevent you from pursuing your passions.

SmartVest, a high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) therapy device, provides a comfortable and easy-to-use airway clearance technique. This respiratory vest delivers repeated pulses of air that gently squeeze and release the upper chest wall (giving you 360° chest coverage). This supports your airways’ ability to propel mucus upward, where it’s more easily coughed out of the lungs.

If you’re already considering treatment costs, SmartVest may be covered by private insurance carriers, Medicare, State Medical Assistance Programs, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the most common cause of bronchiectasis?
   The most common cause of bronchiectasis in the United States is cystic fibrosis. ¹³ 
2. Can COVID cause bronchiectasis?
   Currently, it’s too early to determine if there is a connection between COVID-19 and bronchiectasis.
3. Can asbestos cause bronchiectasis?
   While not a direct cause, asbestos exposure can lead to chronic lung irritation and scarring, which may contribute to airway damage over time. ¹⁵
4. Is bronchiectasis contagious?
   No, bronchiectasis itself is not contagious, but infections that lead to or result from it may be. ¹⁶ 

Is SmartVest Right for Me?

Request an information packet to learn more about SmartVest and how it works to help patients experience symptom relief from their chronic condition.

We’re here to support patients with bronchiectasis through innovative airway clearance technology like the SmartVest.

If you’re ready to learn more, schedule a time to chat with our Patient Care Advocates, who are also Respiratory Therapists and an excellent resource! Or, call them directly at 1.855.528.5690

Resources

1. American Lung Association. “Learn about Bronchiectasis.” Retrieved from American Lung Association.
2. Cleveland Clinic. “Bronchiectasis: Symptoms & Causes.” Retrieved from Cleveland Clinic.
3. American Lung Association. “Learn about Bronchiectasis.” Retrieved from American Lung Association.
4. Bronchiectasis & NTM Association. “Bronchiectasis Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).” Retrieved from Bronchiectasis & NTM Association.
5. Bronchiectasis & NTM Association. “Bronchiectasis Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).” Retrieved from Bronchiectasis & NTM Association.
6. Cleveland Clinic. “Bronchiectasis.” Retrieved from Cleveland Clinic.
7. National Health Service. “Causes Bronchiectasis” Retrieved from National Health Service.
8. National Library of Medicine. “Autoimmune diseases and their genetic link to bronchiectasis: insights from a genetic correlation and Mendelian randomization study.” Retrieved from National Library of Medicine.
9. Medical News Today. “What Is Bronchiectasis: Causes.” Retrieved from Medical News Today.
10. National Library of Medicine. “Bronchiectasis-COPD Overlap Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review of its Pathophysiology and Potential Cardiovascular Implications.” Retrieved from National Library of Medicine.
11. American Lung Association. “Learn about Bronchiectasis.” Retrieved from American Lung Association.
12. Bronchiectasis & NTM Association. “Bronchiectasis Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).” Retrieved from Bronchiectasis & NTM Association.
13. Cleveland Clinic. “Bronchiectasis” Retrieved from Cleveland Clinic.
14. Cleveland Clinic. “Bronchiectasis” Retrieved from Cleveland Clinic.
15. Mayo Clinic. “Asbestosis.” Retrieved from Mayo Clinic.
16. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “Bronchiectasis Causes and Risk Factors” Retrieved from National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.