What is the treatment for bronchiectasis?
Bronchiectasis is not a curable disease. Instead, the goal of treatment is control of secretions and preventing infections. In some situations, where the disease is limited to one area of the lung, surgery may be a possibility to remove the area affected by the disease. Basic lung hygiene is required for all patients with bronchiectasis: • Keep immunizations up to date to prevent infections. • Drink plenty of fluids to make mucous secretions less sticky. • Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. • Get adequate nutrition by consuming necessary calories. For some people, breathing requires increased effort and thus and requires increased nutrition. Chest physical therapy The basis for bronchiectasis treatment is chest physical therapy to assist in coughing up secretions, and antibiotics to prevent infection. Since the smooth muscles that surround the bronchial tubes are damaged, mechanical ways to clear secretions are used to increase air flow and decrease the risk of infection. Chest p
