What is Bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis (brong-kee-EK-tuh-sis) is an irreversible, chronic condition characterized by damaged and abnormally widened airways in the lungs due to recurring inflammation or infection.

Affecting over 4.2 million people in the U.S., bronchiectasis is often misdiagnosed due to its similarities to COPD. Without proper treatment, symptoms worsen with each flare-up (exacerbation). As airways are repeatedly damaged, the lungs slowly lose their ability to mobilize and clear mucus. This makes it easier for bacteria to infect the lungs. Each recurring infection causes more damage to the airways, which over time weakens their ability to move air in and out.

Bronchiectasis FAQs

Diagram of an airway with Bronchiectasis before treatment with SmartVest

Bronchiectasis Symptoms

The severity of bronchiectasis symptoms can differ greatly. Some individuals experience mild symptoms infrequently, while others deal with symptoms daily.

Common symptoms include:

  • A persistent cough
  • Daily production of yellow or green mucus (phlegm or sputum)
  • Shortness of breath

Other bronchiectasis symptoms may include frequent infections that require antibiotic treatment, discomfort or chest pain, fever, wheezing or a whistling sound when breathing, and fatigue (which can be exacerbated by chronic infections and difficulty breathing).

Illustration of man experiencing a coughing fit.

Diagnosing Bronchiectasis

Early diagnosis of bronchiectasis can help prevent further lung damage. Healthcare providers typically use a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests for diagnosis, including:
  • Blood tests and detailed family history to identify underlying conditions like immune deficiencies or genetic disorders
  • HRCT scans are the Gold Standard to reveal characteristic airway widening and other lung structural changes
  • Lung function tests to assess the extent of airway obstruction and impairment
  • Mucus samples to detect bacterial or fungal infections

Doctor showing patient X-ray of lungs.

Bronchiectasis Causes

Bronchiectasis can be caused by recurring respiratory inflammation and infections, genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis, immune system deficiencies, or pulmonary aspiration.

These factors lead to damaged, widened airways that trap mucus, making it difficult to clear and increasing the risk of infections. Common symptoms include a chronic cough with mucus, recurrent respiratory infections, breathlessness, and fatigue. The condition is permanent but can be managed with therapies like high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) to reduce symptoms and help prevent further lung damage.

How Did I Get Bronchiectasis?

Icon of sad lungs

Treatment For Bronchiectasis

Incorporate SmartVest to Triple Down on Bronchiectasis. By treating only infection and inflammation without addressing airway clearance leaves bronchiectasis patients vulnerable. As excess mucus persists, a continuous cycle known as “The Vicious Vortex” remains, leading to worsening symptoms and disease progression.

The SmartVest® Airway Clearance System helps to break the cycle and prevent exacerbations to preserve critical lung function.

“My SmartVest is one of the best tools that I have to get mucus out. When all my inhalers and nebulizer treatments don’t work, my SmartVest always manages to get [mucus] moved around so I can finally breathe.” -Pam

Chat with a Respiratory Therapist

Having recurring flare-ups could mean you spend more time in the hospital and less time spent with family or doing activities you love. Schedule a time to chat with one of our Patient Care Advocates, who are Respiratory Therapists, to discuss your symptoms and if SmartVest could be the right option for you. Or call them directly at 1.855.528.5690.

Bronchiectasis FAQ

 

  • What is HFCWO therapy?
    High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) is a therapy used to help clear mucus from the lungs. It involves the use of an airway clearance vest that wraps around the chest and is connected to an air-pulse generator. The generator creates rapid oscillations (vibrations) that are transmitted to the chest wall. These oscillations help to loosen and mobilize mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear from the airways.

 

  • What’s the difference between bronchiectasis and COPD?
    Bronchiectasis and COPD are both chronic lung diseases, but they have different causes and characteristics. Bronchiectasis is characterized by permanent airway widening leading to mucus buildup and recurrent infections. COPD, mainly caused by smoking or long-term exposure to irritants, involves chronic bronchitis (inflammation and mucus in the airways) and emphysema (damage to the air sacs). While both conditions cause coughing and breathing difficulties, they differ in underlying causes and treatment approaches.

 

  • Can bronchiectasis be cured?
    Bronchiectasis cannot be cured because the structural damage to the airways is permanent. However, treatments can manage symptoms, reduce infections, and improve quality of life. Therapies include airway clearance techniques, medications, and in some cases, surgery. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment are crucial in preventing disease progression and further lung damage.

More Bronchiectasis Resources

More Chronic Lung Conditions

In addition to bronchiectasis, there are other lung diseases that can hinder your ability to effectively clear the airways and breathe independently. These conditions can also overlap with bronchiectasis and show many of the same symptoms.

COPD

Read more about COPD and how it's different from bronchiectasis.

Asthma

Learn more about asthma and how it could be possible to also have bronchiectasis and not even know it.

MAC

Read more about mycobacterium avium complex and NTM lung disease.

Take the first step towards breathing easier.

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Take the first step towards breathing easier.

Request our information packet and experience a smart solution to airway clearance.

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