Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition in which parts of the airways are abnormally widened and damaged. Impaired mucus clearance can lead to recurrent infections and further airway injury.

Mucociliary clearance: The coordinated movement of mucus and trapped particles out of the airways by cilia. Damage to airway clearance leaves mucus pooled in bronchiectatic airways.
Bronchus: A large airway that carries air from the trachea into a lung. Bronchiectasis affects bronchi and, in some cases, smaller airways.
Bronchiectasis exacerbation: A worsening of respiratory symptoms beyond their usual day-to-day variation in bronchiectasis. Recognizing exacerbations helps guide treatment and decisions about antibiotics.
Primary ciliary dyskinesia: An inherited disorder of cilia that impairs mucus transport and can cause chronic airway disease. Impaired ciliary function can contribute to bronchiectasis from early life.
Recurrent respiratory infection: Repeated infections of the respiratory tract over time. Impaired mucus clearance makes recurrent lower-airway infections more likely.
Airway remodeling: Structural changes in airway walls caused by injury, inflammation, or repair. Bronchiectasis is a lasting structural form of airway remodeling.
Sputum: Mucus and other material coughed up from the lower respiratory tract. Daily sputum production commonly reflects retained airway mucus.
Airway clearance therapy: A set of techniques designed to mobilize and remove airway secretions. Regular airway clearance helps manage retained mucus in bronchiectasis.
Immunodeficiency: Reduced function of one or more parts of the immune system. Impaired immune defenses can permit recurrent infections that damage airways.
Chronic rhinosinusitis: Persistent inflammation of the nasal and sinus lining, often with congestion or discharge. Sinus disease can coexist with bronchiectasis, especially in disorders affecting airway clearance.

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