Bronchiectasis is the permanent and irreversible damage to the airways. The airways become dilated (widened) and mucous or phlegm can accumulate which in turn can cause infection and inflammation.
In normal airways, the mucous traps germs or dust and little beating hairs called cilia in the airways move the mucous and any trapped debris up and out of the lungs. In bronchiectasis the dilated airways lose the ability to effectively clear the mucous (and any debris) from the lungs.
Common symptoms in bronchiectasis are:
- chronic cough
- chronic sputum production
- recurrent chest infections
Other symptoms that may be present are:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheeze
- Coughing up blood
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Weight loss
- Chest pain
- Cough incontinence
