Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Bronchiectasis

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Bronchiectasis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in which mucus accumulates and sticks in the airways of the lungs, called bronchi. As a result, the airways become infected and inflamed, eventually leading to enlarged and weak airways, which allows more mucus and bacteria to accumulate.

Bronchiectasis most often affects children, although people of all ages are diagnosed with the condition. It can be caused by lung injury from other conditions, including cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, pneumonia and immunodeficiency disorders, such as HIV and AIDS.

Symptoms of bronchiectasis vary for each person and in rare cases, a patient may not experience any symptoms at all. However, common symptoms may include:

• Cough, which worsens when lying down
• Shortness of breath
• Abnormal chest sounds
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Discolored or foul smelling mucus, or mucus that contains blood

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007