Austin Pulmonary Consultants

Breathing new life into the care and treatment of patients with chronic lung conditions

Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is most commonly caused by a prior or current pulmonary infection or as a result of a specific lung disease like cystic fibrosis. With bronchiectasis, your airways get damaged and fill, rather than expel, mucus.

The mucus isn’t a bad thing; it captures inhaled particles such as dust, pollen, and chemicals. But when the airways can’t get rid of the mucus, you begin to have breathing problems. The trapped mucus and bacteria then produce additional infections, creating a vicious cycle inside your lungs.Your symptoms could range from a daily, ongoing cough to a cough with excessive amounts of phlegm. Other people experience periodic flare-ups, sometimes called “exacerbations,” and have an increase in cough and shortness of breath.

Because the symptoms can mirror those found with other pulmonary diseases, we perform additional testing to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

Bronchiectasis can’t be cured, but its symptoms can be managed.

Standard treatment plans include medication and various aids in improving clearance of airway mucous. Used together, the mucus decreases and the airways get back to performing their job, allowing you to catch your breath and preventing additional lung infections and damage.

To set up an appointment for bronchiectasis with Austin Pulmonary Consultants, call our North Office at (512) 977-0123 or South Office at (512) 441-9799.

Additional information about bronchiectasis can be found on our resources page.