Figure A shows a cross-section of the lungs with normal airways and widened airways. Figure B shows a cross-section of a normal airway. Figure C shows a cross-section of an airway with bronchiectasis.
Bronchiectasis may result from a number of infectious and acquired causes, including measles,[11]pneumonia, tuberculosis, immune system problems, as well as the genetic disorder cystic fibrosis.[12][3][13] Cystic fibrosis eventually results in severe bronchiectasis in nearly all cases.[14] The cause in 10–50% of those without cystic fibrosis is unknown.[3] The mechanism of disease is breakdown of the airways due to an excessive inflammatory response.[3] Involved airways (bronchi) become enlarged and thus less able to clear secretions.[3] These secretions increase the amount of bacteria in the lungs, resulting in airway blockage and further breakdown of the airways.[3] It is classified as an obstructive lung disease, along with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.[15] The diagnosis is suspected based on symptoms and confirmed using computed tomography.[7]Cultures of the mucus produced may be useful to determine treatment in those who have acute worsening and at least once a year.[7]
The disease affects between 1 per 1000 and 1 per 250,000 adults.[10] The disease is more common in women and increases as people age.[3] It became less common since the 1950s with the introduction of antibiotics.[10] It is more common among certain ethnic groups (such as indigenous people in the US).[10] It was first described by René Laennec in 1819.[3] The economic costs in the United States are estimated at $630 million per year.[3]
^ abCorris, PA (Jun 2013). "Lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis". Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 34 (3): 297–304. doi:10.1055/s-0033-1348469. PMID23821505. S2CID32614762.
^Nicki R. Colledge; Brian R. Walker; Stuart H. Ralston, eds. (2010). Davidson's principles and practice of medicine. illustrated by Robert Britton (21st ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier. ISBN978-0-7020-3085-7.