Bronchiectasis Overview: Symptoms and Treatment
Understand bronchiectasis, a chronic lung condition characterized by widened airways. Learn about its symptoms, causes, and available treatment options to manage flare-ups and improve lung function.
Written by Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam
Reviewed by Dr. D Bhanu Prakash MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine
Last updated on 26th Aug, 2025
Living with a chronic lung condition can be challenging, but understanding your condition is the first step toward managing it effectively. Bronchiectasis is one such condition that affects the airways in your lungs. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with it, this guide will help you understand the symptoms, causes, and treatment options in simple terms.
What is Bronchiectasis?
Bronchiectasis is a long-term lung condition where the airways (bronchi) become abnormally widened, scarred, and filled with excess mucus. This makes it harder for the lungs to clear out mucus, leading to frequent infections and breathing difficulties.
While bronchiectasis is a chronic (long-lasting) condition, proper management can help improve quality of life and prevent complications.
Consult a Top Pulmonologist
Common Symptoms of Bronchiectasis
The symptoms of bronchiectasis can vary from mild to severe and may include:
- Chronic cough (often with large amounts of mucus)
- Recurrent chest infections (frequent pneumonia or bronchitis)
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
- Wheezing or a whistling sound while breathing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Fatigue and weakness (due to low oxygen levels)
- Coughing up blood (in severe cases)
If you experience these symptoms frequently, it’s important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What Causes Bronchiectasis?
Bronchiectasis can develop due to various reasons, including:
1. Previous Lung Infections – Severe infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), or whooping cough can damage the airways.
2. Cystic Fibrosis – A genetic condition that causes thick mucus buildup in the lungs.
3. Immune System Disorders – Conditions like HIV or autoimmune diseases weaken the body’s ability to fight infections.
4. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – Long-term lung diseases can contribute to airway damage.
5. Inhaled Foreign Objects – Accidentally breathing in food or small objects can block airways and cause damage.
6. Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) – An allergic reaction to a fungus that affects the lungs.
Sometimes, the exact cause remains unknown (called idiopathic bronchiectasis).
How is Bronchiectasis Diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects bronchiectasis, they may recommend:
- Chest CT Scan – The most accurate test to detect airway damage.
- Sputum Test – Checks for infections in the mucus.
- Lung Function Tests – Measures how well your lungs are working.
- Blood Tests – Helps identify underlying conditions like immune disorders.
Early diagnosis helps in managing symptoms and preventing further lung damage.
Treatment and Management of Bronchiectasis
While bronchiectasis cannot be completely cured, treatment focuses on:
1. Clearing Mucus from the Lungs
- Airway Clearance Techniques (ACTs) – Exercises like postural drainage and chest physiotherapy help loosen mucus.
- Nebulized Saline or Medications – Helps thin mucus for easier removal.
- Drinking plenty of water keeps mucus from becoming too thick.
2. Preventing and Treating Infections
- Antibiotics – Used for bacterial infections (oral, inhaled, or IV).
- Vaccinations – Flu and pneumonia shots reduce infection risks.
3. Reducing Inflammation
- Inhaled Steroids – Help reduce airway swelling.
- Anti-inflammatory Medications – May be prescribed in some cases.
4. Lifestyle Changes
- Quit Smoking – Smoking worsens lung damage.
- Regular Exercise – Improves lung function and overall health.
- Healthy Diet – Supports immunity and energy levels.
5. Surgery (In Severe Cases)
- Lung Surgery – Rarely, damaged lung sections may need removal.
- Lung Transplant – Considered in extreme cases.
When to See a Doctor?
Consult a pulmonologist (lung specialist) if you:
- Have a persistent cough with mucus.
- Experience frequent chest infections.
- Notice blood in your mucus.
- Feel increasing shortness of breath.
Early intervention can prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
Can Bronchiectasis Be Prevented?
While not all cases are preventable, you can reduce risks by:
- Treating lung infections promptly.
- Getting vaccinated against flu and pneumonia.
- Avoiding smoking and polluted air.
- Managing underlying conditions like asthma or COPD.
Need expert advice?
You can book a consultation with a pulmonologist or schedule tests through Apollo 24|7 for personalized care.
Final Thoughts
Bronchiectasis is a long-term lung condition that requires ongoing management to reduce symptoms and prevent complications. With proper diagnosis, routine monitoring, and a combination of medications, airway clearance techniques, and lifestyle changes, individuals can significantly improve their respiratory health and quality of life.
Consult a Top Pulmonologist
Consult a Top Pulmonologist
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Consult a Top Pulmonologist
Dr. P Sravani
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
3 Years • MBBS, MD
Visakhapatnam
Apollo Clinic Vizag, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Hyder
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (PULMONOLOGY)
Guntur
Kalam chest and multi-speciality clinic, Guntur
Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)
Manikonda Jagir
Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir
(125+ Patients)
Dr. K Prasanna Kumar Reddy
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, DTCD (TB&CHEST), DNB (PULM MED), FCCP
Hyderabad
Apollo Medical Centre Kondapur, Hyderabad
Dr. R. Nithiyanandan
Pulmonology/critical Care Specialist
6 Years • MBBS, MD Internal Medicine , DM Pulmonary and critical care medicine
Chennai
Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai
(25+ Patients)