Bronchiectasis and When to Seek Help
Living with COPD or other respiratory conditions can be challenging, especially when daily coughing and mucus become persistent companions. But what if these symptoms indicate something more than a typical worsening of your condition? Suppose you're grappling with stubborn mucus and find it increasingly difficult to clear your airways. In that case, it might be time to consider whether bronchiectasis (BTS) could play a role in your respiratory woes.
Lesley Williams, a Registered Respiratory Therapist at Apria with 35 years of experience, states, “When daily coughing with mucus becomes more than just a symptom, it's a signal to listen closely to your body's reaction. Through awareness and timely action, we can better understand our respiratory journey and find clarity amidst the challenges of bronchiectasis.”
What is Bronchiectasis (BTS)?
Often mistaken for bronchitis, BTS is a chronic condition characterized by damage to, and widening of the airways, leading to an impaired ability to clear mucus effectively. Unlike bronchitis, a temporary infection, BTS sets in as a long-term challenge. The vicious cycle of mucus buildup, inflammation, bacterial growth, and recurrent infections can wreak havoc on your lungs, causing widespread damage or affecting specific airways.
Who is Affected, and What are the Signs?
Individuals with underlying conditions such as COPD or autoimmune disorders are at a higher risk of developing BTS, particularly as they age. Recognizing the signs of BTS is crucial:
- Daily coughing with yellow or green mucus
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue or feeling run-down
- Fevers and chills
- Wheezing or whistling sounds while breathing
- Coughing up blood or blood-tinged mucus (hemoptysis)
- Chest pain
- Clubbing of the fingers and toes
Diagnosis and Treatment
BTS often flies under the radar, making accurate diagnosis challenging. If you're experiencing persistent coughing with mucus and other concerning respiratory symptoms, it's essential to consult your doctor. Diagnostic tests may include chest imaging (CT scan or chest x-ray), lung function tests, and sputum culture to identify bacterial presence.
Treatment aims to manage symptoms, prevent infections, and improve quality of life:
- Antibiotics to address existing infections
- Mucus-thinning medications to facilitate mucus clearance
- Breathing exercises to enhance mucus clearance and lung function
- Oxygen therapy and chest physiotherapy to support overall respiratory health
- Airway clearance devices, like the Afflovest, which uses vibrations to loosen and clear mucus
When to Seek Help
Whether you have an underlying condition or not, persistent coughing with mucus warrants medical attention. Don't ignore concerning respiratory symptoms, especially if they interfere with your daily life or escalate rapidly. If you experience shortness of breath, seek immediate medical assistance.
Navigating the complexities of respiratory conditions like bronchiectasis requires vigilance and proactive management. By staying informed about the signs and symptoms of BTS and seeking timely medical care, you can take control of your respiratory health and improve your quality of life. Remember, you're not alone on this journey – Apria Healthcare is here to support you every step of the way.
.jpg?width=1120&height=376&name=AD-EmailBanner-BestSellingRespiratory%20(2).jpg)
References
Association, American Lung. “Treating Bronchiectasis and COPD: How One Women Overcame Two Lung Disease Diagnoses.” How one women overcame two lung disease diagnoses | American Lung Association, July 1, 2022.
“Bronchiectasis vs. COPD: How Are They Different?: SmartVest.” SmartVest Airway Clearance System - SmartVest uses HFCWO, a proven therapy that helps people around the world breathe better, stay healthier, and lead active and fulfilling lives., February 21, 2024.
Bronchiectasis | Johns Hopkins Medicine. Accessed March 28, 2024.
Cleveland Clinic Medical Professional. “Bronchiectasis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention.” Cleveland Clinic. Accessed March 28, 2024.
Kim, Victor. “5 Things You Should Know about Bronchiectasis.” Temple Health, October 6, 2023.
“What Is Bronchiectasis?” National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, October 27, 2023.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Material in this newsletter is provided for general health education and informational purposes and to provide references to other resources only; it may not apply to you as an individual. While Apria Healthcare believes that the information provided through this communication is accurate and reliable, Apria Healthcare cannot and does not make any such guarantee. It is not intended to be a replacement for professional medical advice, evaluation, diagnosis, services or treatment (collectively, “medical treatment”). Please see your healthcare provider for medical treatment related to you and your specific health condition(s). Never disregard medical advice or delay seeking medical care because of something you have read on or accessed through this website. Reading this newsletter should not be construed to mean that you have a healthcare provider/patient relationship.
