Bronchiectasis Pathophysiology

• Pathophysiology of bronchiectasis:

  • Permanent abnormal dilation of one or more bronchi
  • Results in impaired mucociliary clearance
• Pathophysiology of bronchiectasis - consequence of impaired mucociliary transport:

  1. accumulation of mucus ->
  2. repeated infection ->
  3. further inflammation and damage

  
• Pathophysiology of bronchiectasis:

  • Destruction of:
  • bronchial wall
  • cartilage
  • blood vessels
  • elastic tissue
  • smooth muscle components