July 1, 2022 was World Bronchiectasis Day, a day dedicated to highlighting the number of cases of bronchiectasis that are growing rapidly. According to a recent article, a number of organizations joined together to aid in raising awareness about the disease.
Bronchiectasis is a condition in which the bronchial tubes of a patient’s lungs are permanently damaged, widened, and thickened, which allows bacteria and mucus to build up and pool in the lungs. There are two main types of bronchiectasis: cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis and non-CF bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis can affect just one section of the lungs, or many sections of both lungs, depending on the severity of the condition.
Causes:
Cystic fibrosis causes about one-third of all bronchiectasis cases, and any other lung injury can cause non-CF bronchiectasis. The most common causes include:
- Abnormal immune system or autoimmune disorders
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- HIV
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Allergic fungal lung reactions
Symptoms:
The symptoms of bronchiectasis can take months or years to develop. The typical symptoms include:
- Chronic daily cough
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Weight loss
- Frequent respiratory infections
Diagnosis:
If a doctor suspects bronchiectasis, he/she will listen to a patient’s lungs to check for abnormalities or blockages. Blood tests are also used to check for infections or anemia. In addition to these, the following tests can help confirm a diagnosis:
- Sputum test
- Chest X-ray
- Pulmonary function tests
Treatments:
While bronchiectasis does not currently have a cure, it can be managed so patients can live a relatively normal life. However, flare-ups of the condition must be quickly treated to prevent worsening of the condition and to ensure that oxygen flow is maintained to the rest of the body. To do this, patients must clear up their airways, use antibiotics to prevent and treat infections, and take vaccinations to prevent respiratory infections. In addition, pulmonary rehabilitation, chest physiotherapy, and oxygen therapy may also be helpful.
Increasing Cases
Bronchiectasis has often by misdiagnosed as pneumonia, which is why it is vital to spread information about the disease. Although it is qualified as a rare disease, in low and middle-income countries it is fairly common. Across the world the numbers of bronchiectasis are increasing at a concerning rate.
The chronic illness is a burden on both the patient and their families. Bronchiectasis can lead to damaged lung function, long-term disability, and even early death. Currently, there is no cure for it. However, finding and treating the disease early can improve a patient’s long term health and their overall quality of life.
Joining Together
For the first-ever World Bronchiectasis Day, the Forum of International Respiratory Societies joined the COPD Foundation along with many other organizations to participate in the day. The organizations worked together to raise awareness and to share information pertaining to bronchiectasis throughout the day.
The goal of World Bronchiectasis Day is to spread awareness globally and help those who are diagnosed with the disease to have access to education, advocacy, and conversations surrounding it.
In the future, World Bronchiectasis Day will be focused on treatments and searching for a cure.
