Pathology: Abnormaland permanently dilated airways with increased mucus production, decreasedmucus clearance and recurrent infections
Aetiology: Postinfection, immune overactivity (ABPA) and immune deficiency(hypogammaglobulinaemia), cystic fibrosis, Kartagener’s Syndrome (situsinversus and ciliary dysfunction), bronchial obstruction, rheumatoid arthritis,idiopathic
Symptoms: Persistent,productive cough with large volumes of purulent sputum, haemoptysis, dyspnoea,recurrent infections, weight loss
Signs: Fingerclubbing, coarse inspiratory crackles over the affected area, halitosis, wheeze
Investigations: Chest X-Ray: May be normal
High Resolution CT: Bronchial damage
Microbiology: Sputum cultures
Other: Lung function tests and Cystic Fibrosis testsif <40 years/suspicion of CF
Treatment: Physiotherapyfor sputum clearance
Antibioticsto treat infections
Treatco-existing lung disease
Complications: Recurrentinfections causing progressive lung damage and respiratory failure
Prognosis: Generallydeteriorate over time/with exacerbations. Rate of decline linked to organismsin sputum
Thickened, Dilated Bronchi
(Signet Ring Sign)
Figure 2.11 CTBronchiectasis
