Bronchiectasis is the permanent and irreversible damage to the airways which can lead to symptoms such as chronic cough, chronic sputum production and recurrent chest infections. In more severe cases patients may complain of chest pain due to the sputum blocking the airways, tiredness and breathlessness.
Symptoms include a chronic cough, chronic sputum production and recurrent chest infections. In more severe cases patients may complain of chest pain due to the sputum blocking the airways, tiredness and breathlessness.
The common symptoms of bronchiectasis are:
-
- Chronic cough
- Chronic sputum production
- Recurrent chest infections
A UK study (between 2004 and 2013) has shown a rise in the number of people being diagnosed with bronchiectasis, with it being more common in women and with increasing age. For people over 70, bronchiectasis affects around 1 in every 100 people.
There are a variety of causes of bronchiectasis but in around 50% of patients no cause is found.
Last Reviewed -10th July 2019