Bronchiectasis

• What is bronchiectasis characterized by?

  Permanent dilation of the bronchi.
• What are the main symptoms of bronchiectasis?

  Chronic cough, sputum production, and recurrent infections.
• What causes bronchiectasis?

  Damage to the airways from various factors.
• Which condition is NOT a potential cause of bronchiectasis?

  Yellow nail syndrome.
• What characterizes yellow nail syndrome?

  Yellow fingernails, bronchiectasis, and lymphoedema.
• What are key presenting symptoms of bronchiectasis?

  Shortness of breath, chronic productive cough, and recurrent chest infections.
• What signs may be observed during a physical examination of a patient with bronchiectasis?

  Sputum pot by the bedside, finger clubbing, and scattered crackles in the chest.
• What is the most common infective organism in bronchiectasis?

  Haemophilus influenza.
• What is the test of choice for diagnosing bronchiectasis?

  High-resolution CT (HRCT).
• What is included in the general management of bronchiectasis?

  Vaccines, respiratory physiotherapy, and long-term antibiotics.
• What is the usual choice of antibiotic for exacerbations caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa?

  Ciprofloxacin.
• How does the management of infective exacerbations differ from general management in bronchiectasis?

  Infective exacerbations require sputum culture before antibiotics and extended courses of antibiotics.
• What is a key feature to remember about bronchiectasis?

  Diagnosis is established by HRCT.
• What are the key features of bronchiectasis to remember for exams?

  • Finger clubbing
  • Diagnosis by HRCT
  • Pseudomonas colonisation
  • Extended courses of 7-14 days of antibiotics for exacerbations
• What is the typical duration of antibiotic treatment for exacerbations in bronchiectasis?

  7–14 days.
• What is the role of pulmonary rehabilitation in bronchiectasis management?

  To improve lung function and quality of life.
• How does long-term oxygen therapy benefit patients with bronchiectasis?

  It helps maintain adequate oxygen saturation in patients with reduced levels.
• What should be done before starting antibiotics for an infective exacerbation in bronchiectasis?

  Perform a sputum culture.
• What is a common sign of cor pulmonale in bronchiectasis patients?

  Raised JVP and peripheral oedema.
• What is the significance of finger clubbing in bronchiectasis?

  It indicates chronic lung disease and airway damage.
• How do tram-track opacities appear on a chest X-ray for bronchiectasis?

  They appear as parallel markings of a side-view of the dilated airway.
• What is the role of respiratory physiotherapy in bronchiectasis management?

  To help clear sputum from the airways.
• What is the typical presentation of a patient with bronchiectasis?

  Chronic productive cough and recurrent chest infections.
• Why is it important to identify the infective organisms in bronchiectasis?

  To tailor antibiotic treatment effectively.
• How does bronchiectasis affect the quality of life of patients?

  It leads to chronic symptoms and frequent exacerbations, impacting daily activities.
• What is the role of long-acting bronchodilators in bronchiectasis management?

  To alleviate breathlessness.
• What is the significance of weight loss in patients with bronchiectasis?

  It may indicate disease progression or chronic infection.
• How does the presence of crackles and wheezes in the chest relate to bronchiectasis?

  They indicate airway obstruction and inflammation.
• What is the typical age range for the onset of bronchiectasis symptoms?

  Symptoms can begin at any age but often start in childhood.
• How does bronchiectasis differ from other chronic lung diseases?

  It specifically involves permanent airway dilation and chronic sputum production.
• What is the impact of bronchiectasis on respiratory function?

  It leads to impaired airflow and reduced gas exchange.
• What is the prognosis for patients with bronchiectasis?

  It varies widely depending on the underlying cause and severity.
• What lifestyle changes can benefit patients with bronchiectasis?

  Quitting smoking and maintaining good hydration.
• How can patient education improve outcomes in bronchiectasis management?

  It empowers patients to manage their condition and recognize exacerbations early.
• What is the role of follow-up care in bronchiectasis management?

  To monitor disease progression and adjust treatment as necessary.
• Why is it important to have a multidisciplinary approach in managing bronchiectasis?

  It addresses the complex needs of patients through various specialties.
• How does bronchiectasis management differ from that of asthma?

  Bronchiectasis management focuses on airway clearance and infection control, while asthma management focuses on bronchodilation and inflammation control.
• What is a common complication of bronchiectasis?

  Recurrent respiratory infections.
• How can bronchiectasis lead to respiratory failure?

  Through chronic infections and progressive airway damage.
• What factors can influence the prognosis of bronchiectasis?

  Underlying causes, severity of symptoms, and response to treatment.