In our lungs, the passages that allow air to enter the lungs are called bronchi. And the lung condition that causes coughing up of mucus is called Bronchiectasis. In this syndrome, the inner side of the bronchi gets denser over time from soreness and tenderness that leaves trauma. Denser sides of bronchi result in mucus accumulation in these passages as the sides are not healthy enough to remove the mucus from the lungs. Furthermore, cilia (a short, microscopic, hair-like vibrating structure) are also damaged. As a result of this, it isn't easy to respire.

Following are the conditions that indicate Bronchiectasis:

• Hemoptysis (coughing up mucus that has blood in it)
• Loss of weight
• Wheezing, coughing, or production of whistling noises when respiring
• Clubbing of nails
• Tightness or pain in the chest due to difficulty in breathing
• Coughing with a lot of mucus
• Fatigue
• Night sweats and fever
• Increased shortness of breath
  

Risk Factors Of Bronchiectasis:

Commonly, younger people have fewer chances to acquire Bronchiectasis. In 20,000 people, one can get this syndrome among 18 to 34 ages. But it affects those who are above 75. About 2/3 cases are found in women. But it is widespread in men as compared to women.
A person is more likely to adopt this disorder if he has:

Lung Infection:

Severe or worse lung infections such as whooping cough, tuberculosis, or pneumonia may result from this disorder.

Cystic Fibrosis:

It is a syndrome in which genes are fastened and destroy the lungs, digestive system, and other organs.

Lung diseases:

Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency elevates the risk of lung diseases that leads to Bronchiectasis.

Aspiration:

Chronic pulmonary aspiration is when you accidentally take things such as liquids or food.

Irritants:

Respiration in the environment contains harmful gases, smoke, dust, or coal. These can damage your lungs badly and lead to Bronchiectasis.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Bronchiectasis?

Concern your doctor if you are experiencing above mentioned symptoms. Doctors recommend the following tests:

• City scan or chest X-RAY to get the image of the lungs.
• Bronchoscopy, in which the doctor uses a flexible and thin tube to see inside the air passages.
• For cystic fibrosis, a sweat test is recommended.
• Blood tests to examine inflammation.
• Pulmonary tests to check how well you are breathing.
  

Treatment:

It can not be fully cured, but the treatment helps to develop more symptoms. Treatment of Bronchiectasis might include:

• Drugs and antibiotics that aid you to remove the mucus and fight the bacterial infection
• PEP (positive expiratory pressure) that you can hold in your hand
• Physical therapies move like chest clapping to clean the mucus from the lungs
• In some cases, surgeries have been done as patient felt unbearable Bronchiectasis
  

Prevention:

You can't prevent congenital Bronchiectasis (a disease or physical abnormality present from birth). But you can avoid the lung-damaging agents (pollution, pollens, mold, etc.) that lead to Bronchiectasis. And make sure to vaccinate the children against whooping cough and measles-like syndromes. Take care of yourself even if you are not feeling symptoms or have mild indications.

References:

• Donovan, J. (2020). Bronchiectasis: Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. WebMD. Retrieved February 19, 2022, from webmd.com
• Emmons, E. (2021, June 11). Bronchiectasis. Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology. Retrieved February 19, 2022, from emedicine.medscape.com
• Association, A. L. (2022). Bronchiectasis. American Lung Association. Retrieved February 19, 2022, from lung.org
• Clinic, C. (2022). Bronchiectasis; causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved February 19, 2022, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21144-bronchiectasis