Frequently Asked Questions about Bronchiectasis

When should I suspect I have bronchiectasis?
When you have recurrent episodes of bronchitis, characterised mainly by coughing, increased sputum production and fever or low-grade fever. Episodes of acute bronchitis can also occur in people with healthy lungs, but they are much more frequent and usually take longer to resolve in patients with bronchiectasis.

What test is needed for diagnosis?
A lung imaging test, such as a CT or chest scan, which can show if the diameter of certain bronchi are larger than usual. 

Is bronchiectasis a serious disease?
No. Most cases are mild and do not require specific treatment. The only serious cases (less than 5%) are those where the lung does not work properly and respiratory failure (lack of oxygen in the blood) occurs.

What factors determine the severity and prognosis of bronchiectasis?
Age, nutritional status, lung function, extent of radiological findings, frequency and severity of acute bronchitis episodes in the previous 12 months and bacteria being present in the sputum culture.

Who oversees management of bronchiectasis?
Mild cases can be monitored from the Primary Care Centre. Patients with impaired lung function, respiratory failure with multiple episodes of bronchitis (more than 3 per year) and/or chronic bronchial infection, which means bacteria is constantly present in the lungs, are referred to the hospital.

How can I avoid having bronchitis if I have bronchiectasis?
Abundant hydration (which thins the mucus), physical exercise and respiratory physiotherapy help to mobilise mucus and reduce the risk of suffering acute bronchitis.

When should I take antibiotics if I have bronchitis?
Most bronchitis is viral in origin and resolves without the need for antibiotics. Symptoms that indicate a bacterial infection include persistent high fever and greenish (purulent) sputum. In these cases, a medical evaluation is necessary to determine whether antibiotics are necessary, as well as the type and duration of treatment. A microbiological culture of the sputum also helps identify the bacteria type and the most effective antibiotics to eliminate them.

When is it necessary to take antibiotics chronically?
Only in cases where several microbiological sputum cultures demonstrate there is a chronic bronchial infection (from bacteria that always remain in the lungs and cause symptoms).

Should I get vaccinated?
Yes. As it is a chronic respiratory disease, all patients should be vaccinated against the most common respiratory viruses, such as influenza and COVID-19.

What happens if there is blood in the sputum?
The presence of blood in the sputum (haemoptysis) may be associated with bronchiectasis. In many cases, it is due to the rupture of a small vein located in a dilated bronchus. It is not serious and the bleeding stops spontaneously. However, if the bleeding does not stop, is abundant or is accompanied by clots, you should seek immediate medical attention to consider having more tests done to determine the origin and treatment needed.