Bronchiectasis

Need to know

• Symptoms of bronchiectasis icon plus

  • persistent cough that brings up phlegm
  • shortness of breath/breathlessness
  • coughing up blood or blood-stained phlegm
  • chest pain and/or joint pain
  • the tissue around your fingertips and finger nails becoming thicker

• Diagnosis icon plus

  Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and help to make a diagnosis. They will likely listen to your chest with a stethoscope, to assess if you have a chest infection. Other tests we offer to diagnose bronchiectasis include:

  • Chest X-ray or CT scan for a more in depth look at your lungs.
  • Blood and phlegm tests to check for any bacterial infection.
  • Lung function test.
  • A sample of your sweat may be taken. High levels of salt in your sweat are a symptom of cystic fibrosis, a condition causing mucus to build up in your lungs.
  • A bronchoscopy where a flexible tube with a camera is passed into your lungs and a tissue sample is taken.

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  Your consultant will discuss your treatment options and help to determine the best approach for you. Whilst damage to your lungs from bronchiectasis may be permanent, you can prevent the condition worsening. Treatment options might include:

  • antibiotic medication
  • bronchodilators (inhalers)
  • diet and exercise recommendations
  • stopping smoking if you smoke
  • nebulised medications to help clear your lungs 

  In very few cases surgery may be required. Your lungs are made up of small lobes. If a lobe is affected by bronchiectasis may be removed. This is called a lobectomy.