What is bronchiectasis?
Bronchiectasis derives its meaning from the combination of the terms “bronchus” (breathing tube) and “ectasia” (dilation). Bronchiectasis is chronic dilatation of the breathing tubes causing secondary infection usually in the lower portion of the lungs. Bronchiectasis is considered to be incurable permanent damage to the affected areas of the lungs. It is associated with excessive mucous production that results in coughing and small to copious amounts of sputum. The excess mucous is produced and the lungs of patients with bronchiectasis do not adequately clear airways via cilia (small hairs similar to brushes that line the breathing tubes). The mucous builds up and causes stagnated sputum that invites infections. Bronchiectasis is associated with the development of chronic infection of bacteria known as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), as well as MAC and Mycobacterium abscessus.
