Bronchiectasis

Chronic dilation of a bronchus of bronchi, usually in the lower portions of the lung, caused by the damaging effects of a long standing infection
Symptoms: Chronic cough, foul smelling, mucopurulent sputum production, dyspnea and wheezing are common.

Etiology: The condition may be acquired or congenital and may occur in one or both lungs. Bronchietictasis has three forms (cylindrical, varicose and saccular), which may occur individually or together. Acquired bronchietasis usually occurs secondary to an obstruction or an infection such as bronchopneumonia, chronic bronchitis, tuber culosis, cyctic fibrosis, or whooping cough. The incidence has decreased with antibiotic treatment of acute infections.

Diagnosis: Radiography is used to assist in the diagnosis, either with chest x-rays, or computed tomography of the lungs; the disease may be vidualized and cultures taken during bronchoscopy

Treatment: Therapy consists of oral or IV antibiotics for 7-10 days pulmonary hygiene, pulmonary hygiene and postural drainage. Resection of affected areas may be done in selected patients. Aerosols may be useful for bronchodilation if bronchospasm is present.

Patient care: The is patient is asessed for the presence or increased severity of respiratory distress. Ventilatory rate, pattern and effort are obsered breath sounds are auscultated and sputum is inspected for changes in quantity, color or viscosity.