Bronchiectasis is a rare condition that most frequently develops as a by-product of an infectious process and causes aberrant and long-lasting deformation of one or more conducting bronchi or airways. Chronic or long-lasting bronchiectasis deteriorates with time. Although there is no treatment, you can put up with it for a very long time.

Any age can lead to bronchiectasis development. Most people's symptoms appear gradually, frequently following a respiratory illness, and they tend to get worse with time. A chronic cough that generates thick sputum is common among persons. Sputum production and kind are influenced by the severity of the illness and the presence of aggravating infections (often called a disease flare or exacerbation). Most often, only in the morning and in the evening do people cough.

Hemoptysis, or the coughing up of blood, is a common symptom of damaged airway walls that are brittle and have an increased density of blood vessels. The only or initial symptom could be hemoptysis. There may also be recurrent fever or chest pain, together with or without repeated episodes of pneumonia. People who have severe bronchiectasis may start to wheeze or have breathlessness. Fatigue, lethargy, and shortness of breath that worsens with exercise are further symptoms of bronchiectasis that develops into cor pulmonale or chronic respiratory failure. People frequently lose weight when they have persistent, severe bronchiectasis.

There may be disease flare-ups (exacerbations) in people. An infection that is either new or getting worse might cause exacerbations. People may experience a worsened cough, more sputum output, or breathing problems during an exacerbation. Infections and inflammation can cause the bronchial walls to gradually thicken. Due to these two issues, mucus does not discharge properly. The increased mucus' capacity to hold bacteria can lead to further infections, scarring, and thickening. The lungs have to work harder to breathe over time.

Younger folks typically do not develop bronchiectasis. Between the ages of 18 and 34, less than 20,000 people have it. When a person is 75 or older, the ratio increases to roughly 1 in every 350. Two thirds of people with bronchiectasis are women. However, it affects young boys more frequently than girls. Surgery, therapy, vaccinations, and medications are all used to treat bronchiectasis.

The infections and tissue damage that can cause bronchiectasis can be avoided by taking some precautions. Any lung infection should be treated as soon as feasible; Quit smoking if you do; Ensure that children receive the appropriate vaccines for diseases like measles and whooping cough; To prevent young children from putting objects in their mouths, keep an eye on them. If someone's airways are closed, seek immediate medical attention; Avoid items like smoke and chemicals that can harm your lungs.