The information contained in these pages is intended to give a brief outline of Bronchiectasis, how the disease is diagnosed, treatments available and how to look after yourself on a daily basis and during an exacerbation of your condition. The information is intended to be brief and relate to the management of your condition in Fife. Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and My Lungs My Life websites have in-depth information covering all aspects of a patient’s COPD journey. Other information can be found at Asthma and Lung UK.
What is Bronchiectasis?
Bronchiectasis is defined as having irreversibly damaged small airways leading to symptoms of chronic cough, chronic sputum production and recurrent respiratory tract infections. The small airways of the lungs become abnormally widened. This leads to a build up of excess mucus. This can make the airways of the lungs more vulnerable to infection.
Common / main symptoms include:
- a persistent cough which is commonly productive of sputum (phlegm)
- breathlessness
- coughing up or spitting out blood
Symptoms can vary widely. Some people only have a few symptoms that don't appear often. Others have wide ranging symptoms that occur daily.
How is Bronchiectasis diagnosed?
All patients for whom a diagnosis of bronchiectasis is suspected should be referred to the hospital, as a CT scan of the lungs is required to confirm the diagnosis. Therefore, you may well be asked to attend for a blood test and scan before you are seen by one of the chest doctors.
In about 30-40% of patients no specific cause for bronchiectasis can be found, but bronchiectasis can be caused by a wide variety of conditions which may be identified on blood test screening and CT scan.
Download the self management plan (PDF)
Mainstay of treatment include:
- Chest clearance at least 1-2 times a day. Useful information may be found on www.bronchiectasis.scot.nhs.uk and www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/bronchiectasis/treatment and www.mylungsmylife (COPD chest clearance section)
- Keeping your vaccinations up to date - Annual influenza vaccine, Pneumonia vaccine every 10 years, COVID vaccine
- Annual sputum culture
- Sputum sample at the time of an infection to guide antibiotics [but not delay antibiotics]
- Antibiotics for 10-14 days if there is infection
- Healthy living to optimise your lungs including smoking cessation and weight control - CHSS Living well and Living with Bronchiectasis booklet
Bronchiectasis Information
The Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland website includes useful information on the causes and symptoms of bronchiectasis along with information booklets and frequently asked questions
My Lungs My Life also has useful information within the COPD section on chest clearance techniques Sputum – benefits and downside | My Lungs My Life
Related pages
NHS Lothian Bronchiectasis: A Patient's Guide to Living with and Managing Bronchiectasis
Stop smoking service | NHS Fife
Health promotion services | NHS Fife
The European Bronchiectasis Registry | EMBARC - Patient Resource (bronchiectasis.eu)
