Bronchiectasis and Airway Clearance Therapy Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung infection that is triggered by a number of conditions including pneumonia, a weakened immune system, an allergic reaction termed allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), aspiration, cystic fibrosis, problems with the cilia that line the airways of the lungs, or connective tissue diseases. [...]
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The role of airway clearance therapy in treating bronchiectasis Lung damage caused by bronchiectasis often worsens over the course of the disease. After the initial trigger and during subsequent infections, increased inflammation in the lungs makes it difficult for patients to clear mucus secretions. Mucus buildup encourages the development of additional infections, thereby [...]
Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Bronchiectasis: The Role of Airway Clearance Therapy My name is Dr. Alan Barker. I'm a professor of Respiratory Medicine at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland Oregon. I've been on the faculty and in clinical practice for 41 years. I have [...]
Under-Diagnosis of Bronchiectasis Hinders Treatment Bronchiectasis (BE) is increasing in prevalence, requiring a greater awareness of the disease. Bronchiectasis most often arises from several different causes. The most common symptom that is associated with a diagnosis is a persistent cough, which is a common presentation in various respiratory diseases and illnesses. The commonality [...]
The Vicious Cycle of Bronchiectasis When a patient is diagnosed with bronchiectasis, a plan for long-term monitoring and care is critical. Some patients experience daily and burdensome symptoms that worsen upon exacerbation. Bronchiectasis moves in a vicious cycle with the potential to cause increasing amounts of damage to airways. Untreated, this vicious cycle [...]
Prevalence of COPD and Non-CF Bronchiectasis in the US Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis are diseases of the lungs affecting a person’s ability to breathe and leading to decreased quality of life. Collectively characterized by airflow blockage, bronchial dilation, inflammation and scarring, these diseases often co-exist but require different [...]
Bronchiectasis Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Options Bronchiectasis is when the airway walls thicken or enlarge due to chronic inflammation and recurring lung infections. Bronchiectasis damages the airways, which makes it hard for mucus to leave the body. As a result, mucus builds up in the lungs, attracting bacteria and microbes that lead to [...]
Airway Clearance Technique: Chest Physical Therapy Chest Physiotherapy is a cornerstone airway clearance therapy when treating pulmonary disorders such as cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis in order to improve lung function. When a patient is unable to clear mucus, breathing becomes hard work. He or she must expend extra effort and energy in [...]
