Bronchiectasis

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Lungs

Respiratory system

Bronchiectasis is destruction and widening of the large airways. A person may be born with it (congenital bronchiectasis) or may develop it later in life.

Acquired bronchiectasis; Congenital bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is often caused by recurrent inflammation or infection of the airways. It may be present at birth, but most often begins in childhood as a complication from infection or inhaling a foreign object.

Cystic fibrosis causes about 50% of all bronchiectasis in the United States today. Recurrent, severe lung infections (pneumonia, tuberculosis, fungal infections), abnormal lung defenses, and obstruction of the airway by a foreign body or tumor are some of the predisposing factors. It can also be caused by routinely breathing in food particles while eating.

Symptoms often develop gradually, and may occur months or years after the event that causes the bronchiectasis.

Review Date: 11/13/2006
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.