Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition where the airways become abnormally widened and damaged. This affects the bronchi, which are the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. The damage causes mucus to build up, leading to frequent lung infections and difficulty clearing the airways. People with this condition often experience a persistent cough and produce large amounts of sputum. Over time, the repeated infections and inflammation can cause further lung damage and breathing problems.

Bronchiectasis is defined as a permanent abnormal dilation of the bronchi due to destruction of the muscular and elastic components of the bronchial walls. It results from chronic or recurrent airway infections or obstruction that impair normal mucociliary clearance. The condition leads to persistent productive cough, recurrent pulmonary infections, and progressive lung damage. Common causes include post-infectious injury, cystic fibrosis, immunodeficiency, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. The pathophysiology involves a vicious cycle of infection, inflammation, and airway damage. Clinically, it is significant due to its impact on respiratory function and risk of complications such as respiratory failure.