Bronchiectasis

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Practice Essentials

Bronchiectasis is an uncommon disease, most often secondary to an infectious process, that results in the abnormal and permanent distortion of one or more of the conducting bronchi or airways.

In 1950, Reid characterized bronchiectasis as cylindrical, cystic, or varicose in nature.[1] Cylindrical bronchiectasis involves diffuse mucosal edema, with resultant bronchi that are dilated but have straight, regular outlines that end squarely and abruptly (see the image below).



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Cylindrical bronchiectasis with signet-ring appearance. Note that the luminal airway diameter is greater than the diameter of the adjacent vessel.

Signs and symptoms

Clinical manifestations of bronchiectasis are as follows:

Exacerbations of bronchiectasis from acute bacterial infections may produce the following signs:

Findings on physical examination are nonspecific and may include the following:

See Clinical Presentation for more detail.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of bronchiectasis involves the following:

Tests to identify underlying illnesses include the following:

Vitamin D deficiency is common in bronchiectasis and correlates with markers of disease severity. Chalmers et al measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D by immunoassay in 402 stable patients with bronchiectasis and found that 50% were vitamin D deficient (levels below 25 nmol/L), compared with only 12% of matched controls, and 43% were vitamin D insufficient (25-74 nmol/L). Vitamin D–deficient bronchiectasis patients were more likely to be colonized with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, had lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) percent predicted, and had more frequent pulmonary exacerbations.[5]

Pulmonary function test results may be normal or abnormal; abnormalities are as follows:

Expected general findings on posterior-anterior and lateral chest radiographs include the following:

Specific findings on chest radiographs may include the following:

Noteworthy CT findings in bronchiectasis include the following:

See Workup for more detail.

Management

Treatment modalities include the following:

Acceptable antibiotic regimens for mild to moderately ill outpatients include 7-10 days of any of the following:

For patients with moderate-to-severe symptoms, parenteral administration of the following antibiotics may be indicated:

American Thoracic Society recommendations for treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection in the setting of bronchiectasis are as follows:

Surgical resection of involved bronchiectatic sites is an important adjunct to therapy for patients with focal disease that is poorly controlled by antibiotics. Other indications for surgical intervention may include the following:

See Treatment and Medication for more detail.

Background

Bronchiectasis is an uncommon disease, most often secondary to an infectious process, that results in the abnormal and permanent distortion of one or more of the conducting bronchi or airways. First described by Laennec in 1819, later detailed by Sir William Osler in the late 1800s, and further defined by Reid in the 1950s, bronchiectasis has undergone significant changes in regard to its prevalence, etiology, presentation, and treatment.[9]

Bronchiectasis can be categorized as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease manifested by airways that are inflamed and easily collapsible, resulting in air flow obstruction with shortness of breath, impaired clearance of secretions (often with disabling cough), and occasionally hemoptysis. Severe cases can result in progressive impairment with respiratory failure.[10, 11]

Bronchiectasis most commonly presents as a focal process involving a lobe, segment, or subsegment of the lung. Far less commonly, it may be a diffuse process involving both lungs; these cases most often occur in association with systemic illnesses, such as cystic fibrosis (CF), sinopulmonary disease, or both. The majority of this article will address non-CF related bronchiectasis.

Diagnosis is usually based on a compatible clinical history of chronic respiratory symptoms, such as a daily cough and viscid sputum production (see Clinical), and characteristic radiographic findings on CT scans, such as bronchial wall thickening and luminal dilatation (see Workup).

Antibiotics and chest physiotherapy are the mainstay modalities. Additionally, management of underlying conditions, such as hypogammaglobulinemia or alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, is essential to the overall treatment. Surgery is an important adjunct to therapy in some patients with advanced or complicated disease. (See Treatment.)

For a discussion of this disorder in children, see the article Pediatric Bronchiectasis.

Pathophysiology

Bronchiectasis is an abnormal dilation of the proximal and medium-sized bronchi (>2 mm in diameter) caused by weakening or destruction of the muscular and elastic components of the bronchial walls. Affected areas may show a variety of changes, including transmural inflammation, edema, scarring, and ulceration, among other findings. Distal lung parenchyma may also be damaged secondary to persistent microbial infection and frequent postobstructive pneumonia. Bronchiectasis can be congenital but is most often acquired.[9]

Congenital bronchiectasis usually affects infants and children. These cases result from developmental arrest of the bronchial tree.

Acquired forms occur in adults and older children and require an infectious insult, impairment of drainage, airway obstruction, and/or a defect in host defense. The tissue is also damaged in part by the host response of neutrophilic proteases, inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide, and oxygen radicals. This results in damage to the muscular and elastic components of the bronchial wall. Additionally, peribronchial alveolar tissue may be damaged, resulting in diffuse peribronchial fibrosis.[12]

The result is abnormal bronchial dilatation with bronchial wall destruction and transmural inflammation. The most important functional finding of altered airway anatomy is severely impaired clearance of secretions from the bronchial tree.

Impaired clearance of secretions causes colonization and infection with pathogenic organisms, contributing to the purulent expectoration commonly observed in patients with bronchiectasis. The result is further bronchial damage and a vicious cycle of bronchial damage, bronchial dilation, impaired clearance of secretions, recurrent infection, and more bronchial damage.[13]

In 1950, Reid characterized bronchiectasis as cylindrical, cystic, or varicose in nature.[1] Cylindrical bronchiectasis involves diffuse mucosal edema, with resultant bronchi that are dilated but have straight, regular outlines that end squarely and abruptly (see the image below).



View Image

Cylindrical bronchiectasis with signet-ring appearance. Note that the luminal airway diameter is greater than the diameter of the adjacent vessel.

Cystic or saccular bronchiectasis has ulceration with bronchial neovascularization. The result is a ballooned appearance and sometimes air-fluid levels (see the image below).



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Cystic and cylindrical bronchiectasis of the right lower lobe on a posterior-anterior chest radiograph.

Varicose bronchiectasis has a bulbous appearance with a dilated bronchus and interspersed sites of relative constriction and, potentially, obstructive scarring. The latter may subsequently result in postobstructive pneumonitis and additional parenchymal damage (see the image below).



View Image

Varicose bronchiectasis with alternating areas of bronchial dilatation and constriction.

Etiology

Causes of bronchiectasis include the following:

Primary infections

Bronchiectasis may be the sequela of a variety of necrotizing infections that are either inadequately treated or not treated at all. Primary infection (ie, in the absence of intrinsic defects or noninfectious extrinsic insults) was a particularly common cause of bronchiectasis in developed countries prior to the widespread use of antibiotics[14] and it remains important in developing countries, where antibiotics are used inconsistently.[15, 16]

Typical offending organisms that have been known to cause bronchiectasis include the following[17, 14] :

Infection with respiratory syncytial virus in childhood may also result in bronchiectasis.

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection deserves special mention. It has a propensity to occur in the setting of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection as well as in hosts who are immunocompetent.[18]

MAC infection has been observed especially in women who are nonsmokers; are older than 60 years; do not have a known predisposing pulmonary disorder; and tend to voluntarily suppress cough.[19] Sputum smear in these cases is positive for acid-fast bacilli, and CT scan shows small regular nodules and findings of bronchiectasis.[20, 21, 19]

Once a patient develops bronchiectasis, many of these same organisms colonize the damaged bronchi and may cause ongoing damage and episodic infectious exacerbations. The organisms found most typically include Haemophilus species (47-55% of patients) and Pseudomonas species (18-26% of patients).[22, 23]

Although not a primary cause of bronchiectasis, P aeruginosa often causes chronic bronchial infection in patients with non-CF bronchiectasis via a mechanism involving biofilm formation and the release of virulence factors. This suggests that Pseudomonas species may promote disease progression, and that infection with these species may be related to worsening lung function and increased morbidity and mortality.[24]

Bronchial obstruction

Focal postobstructive bronchiectasis may occur in a number of clinical settings (eg, endobronchial tumors, broncholithiasis, bronchial stenosis from infections, encroachment of hilar lymph nodes, foreign body aspiration). Right-middle lobe syndrome is a specific type of bronchial obstruction that may result in bronchiectasis. It results from an abnormal angulation of the lobar bronchus at its origin, predisposing it to obstruction, subsequent infection, and development of bronchiectasis.

Aspiration

In adults, foreign body aspiration often takes place in the setting of altered mental status and involves unchewed food. Patients may also aspirate chewed materials from the stomach, including food, peptic acid, and microorganisms.

After aspiration, a postobstructive pneumonia may occur, with subsequent development of focal bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis may also develop in the setting of chronic aspiration. Further recognized is that a history of gastroesophageal reflux is a risk factor for aspiration and that the organism Helicobacter pylori may play a role in the development of bronchiectasis in this group of patients.[25, 26, 27]

Cystic fibrosis

CF is a multisystem disorder that affects the chloride transport system in exocrine tissues, primarily secondary to a defect in the CF transmembrane regulator (CFTR) protein. CF and its variants are the most common cause of bronchiectasis in the United States and other industrialized nations.

CF is an autosomal recessive disease affecting approximately 1 in 2,500 whites and 1 in 17,000 blacks in the United States.[28] In was estimated that in 2005, 10,000 adults in the United States would have CF, comprising 40% of the total CF population.[29]

Multiple genetic variants of CF exist, and the risk to patients that have genetic heterozygous mutations remains to be elucidated. However, a reasonable assumption is that patients with CF can be divided into 2 groups: (1) those with classic disease that is readily diagnosed based on clinical and laboratory data and (2) those with less severe disease that manifests later in life and who have ambiguous genetic testing results.[30, 31, 32]

The major pulmonary finding in CF is bronchiectasis, which is an almost universal feature of this disease. It may be the sole feature of CF in adults or those with genetic variations of the disease. Bronchiectasis associated with CF is believed to occur secondary to mucous plugging of proximal airways and chronic pulmonary infection, especially with mucoid P aeruginosa.[33]

Young syndrome

Young syndrome is clinically similar to CF and may represent a genetic variant of CF. It is most often observed in middle-aged men in North America and is a leading cause of male infertility.[34]

Patients with Young syndrome have bronchiectasis (often predominant in the lower lobes), sinusitis, and obstructive azoospermia. However, they do not display the other findings of CF. The pathogenesis of bronchiectasis in these patients is believed to be similar to that of bronchiectasis in CF. The criterion standard for diagnosis of Young syndrome is electron microscopic analysis of the structure of the cilia.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia

Primary ciliary dyskinesia is a group of inherited disorders that may affect 1 in 15,000-30,000 population. It is manifested by immotile or dyskinetic cilia and/or sperm. This may lead to poor mucociliary clearance, recurrent pulmonary infections, and, ultimately, bronchiectasis.[35, 36]

A variant of this condition, initially described by Kartagener, encompassed the clinical triad of situs inversus, nasal polyps or sinusitis, and bronchiectasis in the setting of immotile cilia of the respiratory tract.[37]

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity reaction to inhaled Aspergillus antigen that is characterized by bronchospasm, bronchiectasis, and immunologic evidence of a reaction to Aspergillus species.[38] ABPA should be suspected in patients with a productive cough who also have a long history of asthma-type symptoms that do not respond to conventional therapy.

Bronchiectasis is believed to be secondary to airway plugging by viscid secretions containing hyphae of Aspergillus species. The resulting bronchiectasis is thin-walled and affects the central and medium-sized airways.

CT scanning of the chest demonstrates central airway bronchiectasis, differentiating this condition from other causes of bronchiectasis. Other features of ABPA include eosinophilia, elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, and dramatic responses to therapeutic corticosteroids.

Immunodeficiency states

Immunodeficiency states may be congenital or acquired. The most common congenital conditions (albeit rare) involve B-lymphocyte functions. Hypogammaglobulinemia in these cases may take one of the following forms[39, 40, 41, 42] :

Patients with hypogammaglobulinemia usually present in childhood with repeated sinus or pulmonary infections, although the disorder has been diagnosed in adults who did not have a history of repeated infections. Establishing the diagnosis is important because gammaglobulin replacement may reduce the number of infections and resultant lung injury.

HIV disease, with resultant acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), has been implicated in the development of bronchiectasis and demonstrates the accelerated bronchial damage that may occur from repeated infections in patients who are immunosuppressed. Bronchiectasis in HIV infection has occurred with and without obvious preceding pulmonary infection and may occur secondary to immunologic dysfunction from the HIV disease itself.[18, 43, 44]

Congenital anatomic defects

Bronchiectasis can result from a variety of congenital anatomic defects. Bronchopulmonary sequestration is a congenital abnormality classified as either intralobar or extralobar and results in chronic lower respiratory tract infections that lead to bronchiectasis.

Williams-Campbell syndrome (congenital cartilage deficiency) is the absence of cartilage from lobar to first- to second-generation segmental airways that results in extensive peripheral bronchiectasis.[45]

Mounier-Kuhn syndrome (tracheobronchomegaly) is a rare disorder characterized by dilation of the trachea and segmental bronchi (central bronchiectasis).[46]

Swyer-James syndrome (unilateral hyperlucent lung) likely is a developmental disturbance that leads to unilateral bronchiolitis, hyperinflation, and, in some cases, bronchiectasis.

Yellow-nail syndrome is rare. It results in exudative pleural effusions.[47]

Alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency

Bronchiectasis has been noted to occur in this rare condition, both in patients with true AAT deficiency and in patients with heterozygous phenotypes.[48, 49, 50, 51]

The pathogenesis of bronchiectasis in this setting is unclear, but it is believed that the AAT abnormalities make patients more susceptible to respiratory tract infections and subsequent bronchial damage.

Autoimmune diseases, connective-tissue disorders, and idiopathic inflammatory disorders

Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with bronchiectasis in a reported 3.2-35% of patients[52, 53, 54] and, in one series, was associated with an unfavorable prognosis.[55] The pathology of bronchiectasis may be increased susceptibility to infections in these patients. Pulmonary disease may occur prior to the onset of the rheumatic process.

Bronchiectasis has been noted in patients with Sjögren syndrome and may be secondary to increased viscosity of mucus with poor airway clearance.[56]

Ankylosing spondylitis is associated with bronchiectasis, but in small numbers.[57]

Systematic lupus erythematosus may present with a variety of pulmonary pathology, including bronchiectasis, which was reported in 21% of patients in one series.[58]

In relapsing polychondritis, bronchiectasis appears to be secondary to primary bronchial damage with resultant recurrent infection.[59]

With inflammatory bowel disease, bronchiectasis has been seen in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease. The etiology remains unclear. Pulmonary symptoms may occur prior to the onset of bowel disease.[60]

Sarcoidosis may cause bronchiectasis by a variety of mechanisms, including parenchymal scarring, endobronchial granulomatous inflammation, or extrinsic compression of bronchi.[61]

Marfan syndrome is a connective tissue disorder. The general consensus is that weakness of the connective tissue of the bronchial wall predisposes to bronchiectasis.[62]

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients have also been shown to have an increased incidence of bronchiectasis on radiographic screening. ADPKD is another of the so-called "ciliopathies," or diseases in which a defect in ciliary function is the primary pathologic finding.[63]

Traction bronchiectasis

Traction bronchiectasis is distortion of the airways secondary to mechanical traction on the bronchi from fibrosis of the surrounding lung parenchyma. Although the airways may become dilated in this situation, the other manifestations of bronchiectasis are lacking. Traction bronchiectasis tends to have an upper lobe distribution in cases of radiation fibrosis and sarcoidosis, while the lower lobe is predominantly involved in cases of interstitial lung disease/ idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (ILD/IPF).[64]

Toxic gas exposure

Exposure to toxic gas may often cause irreversible damage to the bronchial airways and cystic bronchiectasis. Commonly implicated agents include chlorine gas and ammonia.

Epidemiology

Currently no systematic data are available on the incidence or prevalence of bronchiectasis. A general theory is that the emergence of vaccines and antibiotics in the 20th century resulted in a decline in the rate of bronchiectasis in developed countries.[17]

The best data available suggest that the prevalence of bronchiectasis mirrors the socioeconomic conditions of the population under study, with significantly lower prevalence in areas where immunizations and antibiotics are readily available. Bronchiectasis remains a major cause of morbidity in less-developed countries, especially in countries with limited access to medical care and antibiotic therapy.[15, 16]

United States statistics

Bronchiectasis is relatively uncommon in the United States, with a prevalence of approximately 100,000 cases, based on data from the 1980s. That said, the number of bronchiectasis cases in the United States associated with atypical mycobacteria or other environmental factors reportedly has increased,[20, 21, 65] perhaps due to improved detection techniques for atypical mycobacteria.

Bronchiectasis may be underdiagnosed in general because it is no longer included in survey data and often goes unreported. The exception is bronchiectasis associated with CF; the latter occurs with a prevalence of 1 in 2500 white births. CF is the largest single cause of chronic lung infections and bronchiectasis in industrialized nations.[66]

Native Americans in Alaska comprise a subgroup with higher-than-expected prevalence, with a 4-fold higher rate of bronchiectasis than the general population.[15] Overall, identifying the true frequency remains a challenge, given the lack of specific symptoms and lack of readily available noninvasive screening tests for population studies.

Race-, sex-, and age-related demographics

No racial predilection exists other than those that may be associated with socioeconomic status.

Evidence suggests that non–CF-related bronchiectasis is more common and more virulent in women, particularly slender white women older than 60 years. In these patients, bronchiectasis is often caused by primary Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection and has been called the Lady Windermere syndrome, named after a character in a novel by Oscar Wilde.[67, 68, 19]

In the preantibiotic era, symptoms usually began in the first decade of life, and this continues to hold true in less-developed countries. Currently, in developed countries, the age of onset has moved into adulthood, except in children with CF.[69]

An epidemiologic study of bronchiectasis-associated hospitalizations in the United States demonstrated that the hospitalization rate for this disorder increased from 1993-2006, especially in persons older than 60 years.[70] No specific single underlying diagnosis has been associated with this apparent increase in the burden of disease in the elderly.

Although limited, epidemiologic studies suggest that persons aged 60-80 years have the highest frequency of bronchiectasis—again likely from the rise in atypical mycobacterial infections. The differences in prevalence between age groups are a direct reflection of the differences in prevalence of the underlying causes of bronchiectasis, lung disease, and/or chronic infections.[71]

Prognosis

In the preantibiotic era, mortality was high, and patients most often died within 5 years after the onset of symptoms. Indeed, a study of 400 patients in 1940 revealed a mortality rate greater than 30%, with most patients dying within 2 years and being younger than 40 years.[72] By comparison, a retrospective study in 1981, after the widespread use of antibiotics, reported a mortality of 13% after diagnosis.[73]

In the late 1990s, researchers in Finland reported no increased mortality in patients with bronchiectasis versus patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Mortality rates for bronchiectasis, asthma, and COPD were 28%, 20%, and 38%, respectively.[74, 75]

Current mortality is difficult to estimate, given the difficulty in identifying prevalence and the lack of definitive studies. Overall, the prognosis for patients with bronchiectasis is good, but it varies with the underlying or predisposing condition. Bronchiectasis associated with CF carries a worse prognosis.

In general, patients do well if they are compliant with all treatment regimens and practice routine preventive medicine strategies. Common complications include recurrent pneumonia requiring hospitalization, empyema, lung abscess, progressive respiratory failure, and cor pulmonale. Additional complications include chronic bronchial infection, and pneumothorax. Life-threatening hemoptysis may occur but is uncommon. Amyloidosis and metastatic abscesses occurred in the preantibiotic era but are rarely observed today.

At present, mortality is more often related to progressive respiratory failure and cor pulmonale than to uncontrolled infection. One study found age older than 65 years and prior use of long-term oxygen therapy to be risk factors for a poor outcome in patients with bronchiectasis who were admitted to an intensive care unit for respiratory failure.[76]

A 2007 study of adults with non-CF bronchiectasis found that higher mortality was associated with advanced age, poor functional status, more severe disease based on radiographic findings, and evidence of hypoxemia or hypercapnia.[77] Preventive care (ie, vaccinations), regular physician visits, and higher body mass index at baseline were associated with reduced mortality.

Patient Education

For patient education information, see the Lung and Airway Center, as well as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

History

The classic clinical manifestations of bronchiectasis are cough and daily mucopurulent sputum production, often lasting months to years. Blood-streaked sputum or hemoptysis may result from airway damage associated with acute infection. Less specific symptoms include dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, wheezing, fever, weakness, and weight loss.

A rare variant known as dry bronchiectasis manifests as episodic hemoptysis with little-to-no sputum production. Dry bronchiectasis is usually a sequela of tuberculosis and is found in the upper lobes.

Bronchiectasis is a morphologic diagnosis. Thus, it may exist with relatively few symptoms.

Although patients may report repetitive pulmonary infections that require antibiotics over several years, a single episode of a severe infection, often in childhood, may result in bronchiectasis.[14] These include tuberculosis, pertussis, or severe bacterial pneumonia. Today, CF is the most common cause of bronchiectasis in children and young adults.[17]

Chronic wet cough may also be an indicator of bronchiectasis. In a retrospective study of 144 Australian children with a chronic wet cough, Goyal and colleagues found that those whose cough did not resolve after 4 weeks of treatment with oral antibiotics were 20 times more likely to have bronchiectasis. All children underwent chest multi-detector CT (MDCT) scans. Of the 144 children, 106 exhibited evidence of bronchiectasis on their MDCT scan.[78, 79]

Antibiotic data were available for 129 of the children. Of the 105 children whose cough lingered after appropriate antibiotic treatment, 88 (83.8%) had bronchiectasis, while only 6 (25.0%) of the 24 children whose cough resolved had bronchiectasis. Being Indigenous was independently associated with having bronchiectasis.

Exacerbations of bronchiectasis that are caused by acute bacterial infections are often heralded by the onset of increased sputum production over baseline, increased viscidity of sputum, and, occasionally, a foul odor of the sputum. Rarely, low-grade fever may occur. Patients may experience an increase in generalized constitutional symptoms, such as fatigue and malaise, as well as increased dyspnea, shortness of breath, wheezing, or pleuritic pain.

With secondary infection or poorly treated pneumonia, the discrete pathogens are often unknown. However, most patients relate a history of childhood infections that may include tuberculosis, pertussis, or Mycoplasma infection.[14]

Most individuals have never smoked (55%) or have smoked too little to account for their degree of cough, findings of obstruction on spirometry testing, and daily sputum production.

Chronic productive cough is prominent,[80] occurring in up to 98% of patients. Sputum is typically produced on a daily basis in greater than 70% of patients, with one study reporting production in 96% of patients.[81] Some patients produce sputum only with acute upper respiratory tract infections, but otherwise they have quiescent disease.

Sputum is typically mucoid and relatively odorless. During infectious exacerbations, however, sputum becomes purulent and may develop an offensive odor.

In the past, total daily sputum amount has been used to characterize the severity of bronchiectasis, with less than 10 mL defined as mild bronchiectasis, 10-150 mL defined as moderate bronchiectasis, and greater than 150 mL defined as severe bronchiectasis. Today, bronchiectasis is most often classified by radiographic findings. In patients with CF, the volume of sputum produced is generally much greater than that associated with other etiologies of bronchiectasis.

Hemoptysis occurs in 56-92% of patients with bronchiectasis. Hemoptysis is more commonly observed in dry bronchiectasis. Hemoptysis is generally mild and manifested by blood flecks in the patient's usual purulent sputum. This is often the factor that leads patients to consult a physician. Bleeding usually originates from dilated bronchial arteries, which contain blood at systemic (rather than pulmonary) pressures. Therefore, massive hemoptysis may occur but is rarely a cause of death.[17, 81, 82]

Dyspnea may occur in as many as 72% of patients; a 2006 review reported a rate of 62%.[81] Dyspnea typically occurs in patients with extensive bronchiectasis observed on chest radiographs. Marked dyspnea is more likely to be secondary to a concomitant illness, such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema.

Wheezing is commonly reported and may be due to airflow obstruction following destruction of the bronchial tree. Similar to dyspnea, it may also be secondary to concomitant conditions such as asthma.

Pleuritic chest pain is an intermittent finding, occurring in 19-46% of patients.[81] It is most commonly secondary to chronic coughing but also occurs in the setting of acute exacerbation.

Fatigue is commonly reported (73% of patients).[81] Weight loss often occurs in patients with severe bronchiectasis. This is believed to be secondary to increased caloric requirements associated with the increased work of coughing and clearing secretions. Weight loss suggests advanced disease but is not diagnostic of bronchiectasis.

Fever may occur in the setting of acute infectious exacerbations.

Urinary incontinence occurs more frequently in women with bronchiectasis versus age-matched controls (47% vs 12%).[83] The etiology of this is unclear.

Physical Examination

Findings are nonspecific and may be attributed to other conditions. Most commonly, crackles, rhonchi, wheezing, and inspiratory squeaks may be heard upon auscultation. General findings may include digital clubbing, cyanosis, plethora, wasting, and weight loss. Nasal polyps and signs of chronic sinusitis may also be present. In advanced disease, the physical stigmata of cor pulmonale may be observed. Note the following:

Wasting and weight loss are suggestive of advanced disease but are not diagnostic of bronchiectasis. In severe cases, findings are consistent with cor pulmonale. Right-sided heart failure may be observed, including peripheral edema, hepatomegaly, and hypoxia. This can ultimately lead to progressive respiratory failure.[76]

Approach Considerations

In a typical patient, bronchiectasis is suspected on the basis of the clinical presentation, especially if purulent sputum is present and other conditions (eg, pneumonia, lung abscess) have been ruled out. A sputum analysis may be used to further strengthen clinical suspicion.

Radiographic studies, specifically CT scanning, then may be used to confirm the diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, additional laboratory testing may be useful to determine the underlying cause. Although many causes are untreatable, identifying treatable conditions is paramount. In a significant percentage of patients, no readily identifiable cause is found.

The choice of laboratory tests may vary and should be tailored to the individual patient and clinical situation. However, high-resolution CT (HRCT) scanning is the criterion standard for the diagnosis of bronchiectasis.[2, 3, 4]

The anatomical distribution of bronchiectasis may be important in helping diagnose any associated condition or cause of bronchiectasis, as follows:

Sputum Analysis

A sputum analysis may reinforce the diagnosis of bronchiectasis and add significant information regarding potential etiologies. Once sputum is allowed to settle, the examination may reveal Dittrich plugs, small white or yellow concretions. A Gram stain and culture result may reveal evidence of microorganisms, including mucoid Pseudomonas species and Escherichia coli, which suggest CF but are not diagnostic.

Chronic bronchial infection with nonmucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa is becoming much more common in patients with non-CF bronchiectasis. The presence of eosinophils and golden plugs containing hyphae suggests Aspergillus species, although this finding alone is not diagnostic of ABPA.

Perform a smear and culture of sputum for mycobacteria and fungi. Atypical mycobacterial infection is a common cause of bronchiectasis in the older population, especially in those with underlying structural lung disease.

CBC Count

The CBC count is often abnormal in patients with bronchiectasis. Typical findings are nonspecific and include anemia and an elevated white blood cell count with an increased percentage of neutrophils. An increased percentage of eosinophils is one criterion for ABPA. Alternatively, polycythemia secondary to chronic hypoxia may be observed in advanced cases.

Quantitative Immunoglobulin levels

Quantitative immunoglobulin levels, including IgG subclasses, IgM, and IgA, are useful to exclude hypogammaglobulinemia. Note, however, that on rare occasions, bronchiectasis may be seen in patients with antibody production deficiency but normal to low-normal IgG levels. In situations such as these, evaluating antibody response to Haemophilus influenzae and pneumococcal vaccines may be useful.

Quantitative Alpha1-Antitrypsin Levels

Quantitative serum alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) levels are used to rule out AAT deficiency. In addition to a suggestive family history, clinical features of emphysema that suggest the possibility of AAT deficiency and the need for serum testing include onset at an early age (45 y or less) and the absence of a recognized risk factor (eg, smoking, occupational dust exposure).

Pilocarpine Iontophoresis (Sweat Test)

Pilocarpine iontophoresis (sweat test) was the criterion standard test to evaluate for CF. However, genetic analysis has now become standard and may be performed to look for evidence of mutations consistent with CF and to look for potential variants, such as Young syndrome.[28]

Aspergillus Precipitins and Serum Total IgE levels

Aspergillus precipitins and serum total IgE levels are important in making the diagnosis of ABPA. Diagnostic criteria for ABPA include a total serum IgE level greater than 1000 IU/mL or a greater than 2-fold rise from baseline.

Autoimmune Screening Tests

Rheumatoid factor and/or other screening tests for autoimmune disease may be performed in the appropriate clinical setting. For example, an antinuclear antibody (ANA) assay may also be considered.

Computed Tomography

CT scanning (see the image below), particularly high-resolution CT (HRCT) scanning of the chest, has replaced bronchography as the defining modality of bronchiectasis. CT sensitivity and specificity reportedly are 84-97% and 82-99%, respectively, but may be higher at referral centers.[84]

Additional advantages of HRCT scanning include noninvasiveness, avoidance of possible allergic reactions to contrast media, and information regarding other pulmonary processes. The 3 forms of bronchiectasis in the Reid classification can be visualized by HRCT.[1]



View Image

This CT scan depicts areas of both cystic bronchiectasis and varicose bronchiectasis.

The following are noteworthy aspects of CT findings in bronchiectasis:

For more information on the radiologic approach to bronchiectasis, see Bronchiectasis Imaging.

Radiography

Posterior-anterior and lateral chest radiographs should be obtained in all patients. Expected general findings include increased pulmonary markings, honeycombing, atelectasis, and pleural changes. Specific findings may include linear lucencies and parallel markings radiating from the hila (tram tracking) in cylindrical bronchiectasis, dilated bronchi in varicose bronchiectasis, and clustered cysts in cystic bronchiectasis. In the appropriate clinical setting, chest radiograph findings are occasionally sufficient for confirming the diagnosis of bronchiectasis.

Pulmonary Function Tests

Pulmonary function test results may be normal or abnormal and may reflect underlying comorbidities as well as providing information regarding predisposing conditions. These tests are useful in obtaining a functional assessment of the patient, as well as allowing for objective determination of the deterioration of a patient's pulmonary function when baseline studies are available.

The most common abnormality is an obstructive airway defect, which may even be found in patients without a prior smoking history. In addition, patients with bronchiectasis have higher rates of yearly decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) than patients without bronchiectasis.[69, 85] In patients with non-CF bronchiectasis, risk factors for a more rapid decline in FEV1 include colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and higher concentrations of proinflammatory markers.[86]

Obstruction in bronchiectasis is not usually reversible with bronchodilator therapy. However, a subgroup of patients may develop hyperreactive airways in conjunction with their bronchiectasis that will respond to bronchodilators.

Restriction may be observed in patients with severe advanced disease secondary to scarring and atelectasis, but this is not common. Traction bronchiectasis most often occurs in the setting of a restrictive lung defect from underlying fibrosis.

Electron Microscopic Examination

Perform electron microscopic examination of sperm and respiratory epithelium to observe for evidence of primary ciliary structural abnormalities and dyskinesia. These will be found in disorders such as primary ciliary dyskinesia.

Bronchography

Bronchography, although once common, is now used rarely, having been replaced by HRCT scanning.[3] Bronchography is performed by instilling contrast material via a catheter or a bronchoscope and performing plain radiographic imaging. It should be performed only at facilities and by operators skilled in its use. In current practice, it is only of potential value in confirming the location of focal bronchiectasis and in excluding disease elsewhere in the setting of possible surgical resection. This procedure carries the risk of acute bronchoconstriction.

Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is generally not helpful in diagnosing bronchiectasis, but it may be useful in identifying underlying abnormalities, such as tumors, foreign bodies, or other lesions. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage may be used to obtain specimens for staining and culture when a primary infectious etiology or a secondary infection is suspected.

Approach Considerations

The goals of therapy are to improve symptoms, to reduce complications, to control exacerbations, and to reduce morbidity and mortality. Early recognition is essential in bronchiectasis and associated conditions. Additionally, management of underlying conditions, which may include the use of intravenous immunoglobulin or intravenous alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) therapy, is essential to the overall treatment.

Antibiotics and chest physiotherapy are the mainstay modalities. Other modalities (beyond those for specific associated conditions) may include bronchodilators, corticosteroid therapy, dietary supplementation, and oxygen or surgical therapies. Admitting patients with severe exacerbations of bronchiectasis to the hospital and treating them with intravenous antibiotics, bronchodilators, aggressive physiotherapy, and supplemental nutrition is not uncommon.

Aggressively pursue and treat any associated or known causal condition of the bronchiectasis. The scope of therapies for these associated medical conditions, such as mycobacterial disease and CF, is beyond the scope of this article. See Cystic Fibrosis and Mycobacterium Avium-Intracellulare.

Supportive Treatment

The following general measures are recommended:

Oxygen therapy is reserved for patients who are hypoxemic with severe disease and end-stage complications, such as cor pulmonale.

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) should be cared for at specialized CF treatment centers that address all aspects of the disease, including nutritional and psychologic aspects.

Antibiotic Therapy

Antibiotics have been the mainstay of treatment for more than 40 years. Oral, parenteral, and aerosolized antibiotics are used, depending on the clinical situation.

In acute exacerbations, broad-spectrum antibacterial agents are generally preferred. However, if time and the clinical situation allows, sampling of respiratory secretions during an acute exacerbation may allow treatment with antibiotics based on specific species identification.

Acceptable choices for the outpatient who is mild to moderately ill include any of the following:

In general, the duration of antibiotic therapy for mild to moderate illness is 7-10 days.

For patients with moderate-to-severe symptoms, parenteral antibiotics, such as an aminoglycoside (gentamicin, tobramycin) and an antipseudomonal synthetic penicillin, a third-generation cephalosporin, or a fluoroquinolone, may be indicated. Patients with bronchiectasis from CF are often infected with mucoid Pseudomonas species, and, as such, tobramycin is often the drug of choice for acute exacerbation.

Infection with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) provides special treatment challenges. For the treatment of MAC in the setting of bronchiectasis, the American Thoracic Society recommends a 3- to 4-drug treatment regimen with clarithromycin, rifampin, ethambutol, and possibly streptomycin that is continued until the patient's culture results are negative for 1 year. The typical duration of therapy may be 18-24 months.

Regular antibiotic regimens

Some patients with chronic bronchial infections may need regular antibiotic treatment to control the infectious process. Some clinicians prefer to prescribe antibiotics on a regular basis or for a set number of weeks each month.

The oral antibiotics of choice are the same as those mentioned previously. Potential regimens include daily antibiotics for 7-14 days of each month, alternating antibiotics for 7-10 days with antibiotic-free periods of 7-10 days, or a long-term daily dose of antibiotics. For patients with severe CF and bronchiectasis, intermittent courses of intravenous antibiotics are sometimes used.[89, 90]

Aerosolized antibiotics

In the past several years, the nebulized route of antibiotic administration has received more attention because it is capable of delivering relatively high concentrations of drugs locally with relatively few systemic adverse effects.[91] This is particularly beneficial in treating patients with chronic infection from P aeruginosa. Currently, inhaled tobramycin is the most widely used nebulized treatment for patients with bronchiectasis from either CF or non-CF causes of bronchiectasis.[92, 93, 94, 95, 96] Gentamicin[97] and colistin[98] have also been used.

No significant studies have examined the long-term use of inhaled antibiotics in patients with non-CF bronchiectasis. A study by Govan et al found sustained long-term benefit (12 mo) of inhaled gentamicin in this subgroup, along with an acceptable side effect profile.[99] Optimal dosing regimen of inhaled gentamicin still needs to be elucidated.

Bronchial Hygiene

Good bronchial hygiene is paramount in the treatment of bronchiectasis, because of the tenacious sputum and defects in clearance of mucus in these patients. Postural drainage with percussion and vibration is used to loosen and mobilize secretions.

Devices available to assist with mucus clearance include flutter devices,[100, 101] intrapulmonic percussive ventilation devices, and incentive spirometry.[102] Although consistent benefits from these techniques are lacking and vary with patient motivation and knowledge, a review did report improvement in patients’ cough-related quality of life scores.[103]

A relatively new device called the "Vest" system is a pneumatic compression device/vest that is worn by the patient periodically throughout the day. It is essentially technique independent and has variable success, especially in patients with CF. Significant controlled trials have not been performed in patients with non-CF bronchiectasis.

Nebulization with concentrated (7%) sodium chloride solutions appears to be beneficial, particularly in patients with CF-related bronchiectasis.[104, 105, 106] Mucolytics, such as acetylcysteine, are also often tried but do not appear to be universally beneficial. However, maintaining adequate general hydration, which may improve the viscidity of secretions, is important.

Aerosolized recombinant DNase has been shown to benefit patients with CF.[107, 108] This enzyme breaks down DNA released by neutrophils, which accumulates in the airways in response to chronic bacterial infection. However, improvement has not been definitively shown in patients with bronchiectasis from other causes.[109]

Bronchodilator Therapy

Bronchodilators, including beta-agonists and anticholinergics, may help some patients with bronchiectasis, presumably reversing bronchospasm associated with airway hyperreactivity and improving mucociliary clearance.[110, 111, 112] High-quality, large, randomized clinical trials of bronchodilator treatment in bronchiectasis have not been performed, however.

Anti-inflammatory Therapy

The rationale of anti-inflammatory therapy is to modify the inflammatory response caused by the microorganisms associated with bronchiectasis and subsequently reduce the amount of tissue damage. Inhaled corticosteroids,[113] oral corticosteroids,[114] leukotriene inhibitors,[115] and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents[115] have all been examined.

Although some evidence suggests a benefit from the use of these agents, some evidence does not, and findings are not universally definitive.[116] One study reported that inhaled corticosteroids are beneficial compared with placebo in patients with bronchiectasis, particularly those with associated P aeruginosa infections.[117]

A double-blind, placebo controlled 6-week crossover study with 20 patients using beclomethasone dipropionate (750 mcg bid) showed reduced mean sputum volume and improved forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) at 6 weeks. A similar study of 24 patients using fluticasone propionate (500 mcg bid) showed reduced sputum leukocyte density and reduced levels of inflammatory mediators but no change in pulmonary function.

A study by Tsang et al showed benefit of inhaled fluticasone in patients with chronic P aeruginosa infection and bronchiectasis.[117] Another study showed improvement in quality-of-life scores with inhaled steroids in patients with steady-state bronchiectasis.[118]

Azithromycin has known anti-inflammatory properties and long-term use has been studied in patients with both CF and non-CF bronchiectasis. In non-CF patients, azithromycin has been shown to decrease exacerbations and improve spirometry and microbiologic profiles.[119, 120] In CF patients a meta-analysis suggests that it improves lung function, especially in those patients colonized with Pseudomonas.[106]

A practical approach is to use tapering oral corticosteroids and antibiotics for acute exacerbations and to consider inhaled corticosteroids for daily use in patients with significant obstructive physiology on pulmonary function testing and evidence of reversibility suggesting airway hyperreactivity. However, Kapur et al reported that the evidence supporting the use of inhaled steroids in adults with stable bronchiectasis is insufficient.[121]

Adjunctive Surgical Resection

Surgery is an important adjunct to therapy in some patients with advanced or complicated disease.[122] Surgical resection for bronchiectasis can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality in patients of any age.[94, 123, 124]

In general, surgery should be reserved for patients who have focal disease that is poorly controlled by antibiotics. The involved bronchiectatic sites should be completely resected for optimal symptom control. Other indications for surgical intervention may include the following:

Complications of surgical intervention include empyema, hemorrhage, prolonged air leak, and persistent atelectasis.

Patient selection plays an important role in perioperative mortality rates, which may be as low as 1% in the surgical treatment of segmental or even multisegmental bronchiectasis.

Lung Transplantation

Single- or double-lung transplantation has been used as treatment of severe bronchiectasis, predominantly when related to CF. In general, consider patients with CF and bronchiectasis for lung transplantation when FEV1 falls below 30% of the predicted value. Female patients and younger patients may need to be considered sooner.

Consultations

A pulmonologist or other practitioner skilled in caring for patients with bronchiectasis should be consulted. All patients with CF should be referred to a regional center with the resources and trained personnel to care for patients with CF, including nutritional and psychological care.

Long-Term Monitoring

The interval of follow-up care is determined by the patient's clinical condition and associated conditions or causes. Patients with CF should optimally be monitored at a center specialized in the care of CF.

Guidelines Summary

Guidelines on adult bronchiectasis by the European Respiratory Society [125]

The minimum set of etiological tests suggested for adults with a new diagnosis of bronchiectasis is as follows:

Treat acute exacerbations of bronchiectasis with a 14-day course of antibiotics.

Adults with bronchiectasis with a new isolation of P aeruginosa infection should be offered eradication antibiotic treatment. Eradication antibiotic treatment is not suggested for adults with bronchiectasis following a new isolation of pathogens other than P aeruginosa.

Treatment with inhaled corticosteroids is not suggested for adults with bronchiectasis. However, it is suggested that the diagnosis of bronchiectasis should not affect the use of inhaled corticosteroids in patients with comorbid asthma or COPD.

Statins are not recommended for the treatment of bronchiectasis.

Offer long-term antibiotic treatment for adults with bronchiectasis who have three or more exacerbations per year, as follows:

Long-term mucoactive treatment (≥3 mo) is suggested in adult patients with bronchiectasis (1) who have difficulty in expectorating sputum and have a poor quality of life and (2) where standard airway clearance techniques have failed to control symptoms. Recombinant human DNase is not recommended in adult patients with bronchiectasis.

Routinely offering long-acting bronchodilators is not suggested for adult patients with bronchiectasis. Offer long-acting bronchodilators for patients with significant breathlessness on an individual basis. Use of bronchodilators is suggested (1) before physiotherapy, (2) before inhaled mucoactive drugs, and (3) before inhaled antibiotics, in order to increase tolerability and optimize pulmonary deposition in diseased areas of the lungs. Again, however, it is suggested that the diagnosis of bronchiectasis should not affect the use of long-acting bronchodilators in patients with comorbid asthma or COPD.

Surgical treatments are not suggested for adult patients with bronchiectasis, except for those with localized disease and a high exacerbation frequency despite optimization of all other aspects bronchiectasis management.

Patients with a chronic productive cough or difficulty expectorating sputum should be taught an airway clearance technique by a trained respiratory physiotherapist, and it should be performed once or twice daily.

It is recommended that adult patients with bronchiectasis and impaired exercise capacity participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation program, and they should exercise regularly. All interventions should be tailored to the patient's symptoms, physical capability, and disease characteristics.

Medication Summary

No specific medical therapy exists for the treatment of bronchiectasis. Pharmacologic therapy focuses on the treatment of infectious exacerbations that these patients commonly experience, most often in the form of an acute bronchitis-type syndrome.

The most widely accepted and commonly used medications in the treatment of acute infectious processes associated with bronchiectasis include antibiotics, beta-agonists, inhaled corticosteroids, and expectorants. Other more controversial medications have been previously mentioned in this article for completeness but are not discussed here.

Clarithromycin (Biaxin)

Clinical Context:  Clarithromycin is a semisynthetic macrolide antibiotic that reversibly binds to P site of 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible organisms and may inhibit RNA-dependent protein synthesis by stimulating dissociation of peptidyl t-RNA from ribosomes, causing bacterial growth inhibition.

Azithromycin (Zithromax, Zmax)

Clinical Context:  Azithromycin is an azalide, a subclass of the macrolide antibiotics. Following oral administration, it is absorbed rapidly and widely distributed throughout body. Its mechanism of action is interference with microbial protein synthesis.

Azithromycin is effective against a wide range of organisms, including the most common gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. It has additional coverage of so-called atypical infections, such as Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, and Legionella species. This agent is indicated for treatment of patients with mild-to-moderate infections, including acute bronchitic infections that may be observed with bronchiectasis.

Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Septra DS, Bactrim DS)

Clinical Context:  Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is a synthetic combination antibiotic. Each tab contains 80 mg of trimethoprim and 400 mg of sulfamethoxazole. It is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. The mechanism of action involves blockage of 2 consecutive steps in biosynthesis of nucleic acids and proteins needed by many microorganisms.

This agent provides coverage for common forms of both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms, including susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. It is indicated in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitic symptoms in patients with bronchiectasis.

Doxycycline (Doryx, Oraxyl, Vibramycin)

Clinical Context:  Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum, synthetically derived bacteriostatic antibiotic in the tetracycline class. It is an alternative agent for patients who cannot be given macrolides or penicillins.

Doxycycline is almost completely absorbed, concentrates in bile, and is excreted in urine and feces as a biologically active metabolite in high concentrations. It inhibits protein synthesis and, thus, bacterial growth by binding to 30S and possibly 50S ribosomal subunits of susceptible bacteria. It may block dissociation of peptidyl tRNA from ribosomes, causing RNA-dependent protein synthesis to arrest.

Levofloxacin (Levaquin)

Clinical Context:  Fluoroquinolones should be used empirically in patients likely to develop exacerbation due to resistant organisms to other antibiotics. Levofloxacin is rapidly becoming a popular choice in pneumonia. It is the L stereoisomer of the D/L parent compound ofloxacin, the D form being inactive.

This agent is good for monotherapy, with extended coverage against Pseudomonas species and excellent activity against pneumococcus. It acts by inhibition of DNA gyrase activity. Bioavailability of the oral form reportedly is 99%.

Tobramycin (TOBI)

Clinical Context:  Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside specifically developed for administration with a nebulizer system. When inhaled, it is concentrated in airways, where it exerts an antibacterial effect by disrupting protein synthesis. Tobramycin is active against a wide range of gram-negative organisms, including P aeruginosa. It is indicated for treatment of patients with CF and P aeruginosa infection.

Gentamicin

Clinical Context:  A water-soluble injectable antibiotic of aminoglycoside group, gentamicin acts by inhibiting normal protein synthesis; it is active against variety of pathogenic organisms, including P aeruginosa. For treatment of Pseudomonas species, it is often used in combination with an antipseudomonal synthetic penicillin or cephalosporin.

In patients with bronchiectasis, gentamicin (or other aminoglycosides) may be indicated in setting of severe respiratory tract infection or CF. Dosing regimens are numerous; adjust dose based on creatinine clearance (CrCl) and changes in volume of distribution. Gentamicin may be administered IV or IM.

Amikacin

Clinical Context:  Amikacin irreversibly binds to the 30S subunit of bacterial ribosomes; it blocks the recognition step in protein synthesis and causes growth inhibition. It is indicated for gram-negative bacterial coverage of infections resistant to gentamicin and tobramycin. Amikacin is effective against P aeruginosa. Use patient's ideal body weight (IBW) for dosage calculation. The same principles of drug monitoring for gentamicin apply to amikacin.

Class Summary

These are the mainstays of treatment of patients with bronchiectasis and infectious exacerbations. The route of antibiotic administration varies with the overall clinical condition, with most patients doing well on outpatient regimens. Some patients benefit from a set regimen of antibiotic therapy, such as therapy for 1 week of every month.

The choice of antibiotic is provider dependent, but, in general, the antibiotic chosen should have a reasonable spectrum of coverage, including the most common gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Treatment of the patient who is more ill or the patient with CF often requires intravenous anti-Pseudomonas species coverage with an aminoglycoside, most often in combination with an antipseudomonal synthetic penicillin or cephalosporin. Aerosolized tobramycin has been found effective in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Salmeterol (Serevent Diskus)

Clinical Context:  By relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchioles in conditions associated with bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, or bronchiectasis, salmeterol can relieve bronchospasms. It also may facilitate expectoration.

Salmeterol has been shown to improve symptoms and morning peak flows. It may be useful when bronchodilators are used frequently. More studies are needed to establish the role for these agents.

The bronchodilating effect of salmeterol lasts >12 h. This agent is used on a fixed schedule in addition to regular use of anticholinergic agents. When salmeterol is administered at high or more frequent doses than recommended, the incidence of adverse effects is higher.

Albuterol sulfate (Proventil, Ventolin)

Clinical Context:  Albuterol is a relatively selective beta2-adrenergic bronchodilator that, when inhaled, relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and inhibits release of mediators of immediate hypersensitivity from cells, especially mast cells.

Albuterol is administered in a metered-dose aerosol unit for oral inhalation. It is indicated for prevention and relief of bronchospasm from any cause, including those observed in patients with bronchiectasis.

Class Summary

Although no long-term studies have been performed with inhaled beta-agonists, these medications are routinely used in patients with bronchiectasis for multiple reasons. Bronchiectasis may cause an obstructive defect on pulmonary function testing that may respond to inhaled beta-agonists. Many older patients with bronchiectasis often have a concomitant illness, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, that responds to inhaled beta-agonists.

Finally, in the acute infectious bronchitic exacerbation that occurs in patients with bronchiectasis, patients may develop transient obstructive airway physiology that may improve with an inhaled beta-agonist. Along these same lines, many patients are started on inhaled steroids for long-term airway stabilization, but the efficacy of these medications in bronchiectasis is questionable, and any effect simply may be secondary to the treatment of other concomitant obstructive airway diseases.

Beclomethasone (Qvar)

Clinical Context:  Beclomethasone inhibits bronchoconstriction mechanisms, produces direct smooth muscle relaxation, and may decrease the number and activity of inflammatory cells, in turn decreasing airway hyperresponsiveness. It is readily absorbed through the nasopharyngeal mucosa and GI tract. It has a weak hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis inhibitory potency when applied topically.

Various dose preparations are available and must be titrated in conjunction with other medications the patient is taking; most inhaled oral medications have an effect in 24 hours.

Fluticasone inhaled (Flovent Diskus)

Clinical Context:  Fluticasone may decrease the number and activity of inflammatory cells, in turn decreasing airway hyperresponsiveness. It also has vasoconstrictive activity.

Class Summary

Studies suggest a benefit of inhaled corticosteroids in bronchiectasis, although the optimal dosing remains to be determined. No significant studies of oral steroid therapy in patients with bronchiectasis have been performed.

Guaifenesin (Mucinex)

Clinical Context:  The product contains 600 mg of guaifenesin in a sustained-release formulation intended for oral administration. It increases respiratory tract fluid secretions and helps to loosen phlegm and bronchial secretions. Humibid LA and guaifenesin are indicated for patients with bronchiectasis complicated by tenacious mucus and/or mucous plugs.

Class Summary

One of the hallmarks of bronchiectasis is a chronic, thick, viscid sputum production. In bronchiectasis, it is extremely difficult for the body's natural mucociliary clearance mechanisms to adequately clear the sputum produced. Although definitive evidence is lacking, expectorants are expected to increase respiratory tract fluid secretions and to help loosen phlegm and bronchial secretions.

By reducing the viscosity of secretions, expectorants increase the efficacy of the mucociliary clearance system. Expectorants are often marketed in combination with decongestants, which may provide some patients additional relief.

What is bronchiectasis?What are the signs and symptoms of bronchiectasis?What are the signs of exacerbation of bronchiectasis?What are the physical findings of bronchiectasis?How is bronchiectasis diagnosed?Which tests are performed to identify underlying etiology of bronchiectasis?What is the role of vitamin D deficiency in bronchiectasis?Which pulmonary function tests (PFTs) findings suggest bronchiectasis?Which radiographic findings are characteristic of bronchiectasis?Which radiographic findings are specific for bronchiectasis?Which findings on CT scan suggest bronchiectasis?What are the treatment options for bronchiectasis?Which antibiotics are indicated for treatment of mild to moderate bronchiectasis?Which antibiotics are indicated for treatment of moderate-to-severe bronchiectasis?What are the American Thoracic Society (ATS) recommendations for treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in bronchiectasis?What are indications for surgical intervention to treat bronchiectasis?What is bronchiectasis?What is the presentation of bronchiectasis?How is bronchiectasis diagnosed?How is bronchiectasis treated?What is the pathophysiology of bronchiectasis?What is the pathophysiology of congenital bronchiectasis?What is the pathophysiology of acquired bronchiectasis?What are the pathophysiologic characteristics of bronchiectasis?What causes bronchiectasis?What is the role of infection in the etiology of bronchiectasis?Which organisms may cause bronchiectasis?What is the etiologic relationship between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and bronchiectasis?What is Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC)?Which organisms are found most typically in Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in bronchiectasis?What is the role of Pseudomonas species in the etiology of bronchiectasis?What causes focal postobstructive bronchiectasis?How can foreign body aspiration cause bronchiectasis?What is cystic fibrosis (CF)?What is the prevalence of cystic fibrosis (CF) in the US?How are patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) categorized?What is the role of cystic fibrosis (CF) in the etiology of bronchiectasis?What is Young syndrome?What is the role of Young syndrome in the etiology of bronchiectasis?What is primary ciliary dyskinesia?What is the role of primary ciliary dyskinesia in the etiology of bronchiectasis?What is allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)?What is the role of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in the etiology of bronchiectasis?What are the forms of hypogammaglobulinemia in bronchiectasis?What are the signs of hypogammaglobulinemia in bronchiectasis?What is the role of HIV in the etiology of bronchiectasis?Which congenital anatomic defects may cause bronchiectasis?What is the role of alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency in the etiology of bronchiectasis?Which autoimmune disorders are associated with bronchiectasis?Which idiopathic inflammatory disorders are associated with bronchiectasis?Which connective tissue disorders are associated with bronchiectasis?What is the role of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in the etiology of bronchiectasis?What is traction bronchiectasis?What is the role of toxic gas exposure in the etiology of bronchiectasis?What is the prevalence of bronchiectasis?What is the prevalence of bronchiectasis in the US?What is the prevalence of cystic fibrosis (CF)-associated bronchiectasis in the US?Which group is at increased risk of bronchiectasis in the US?What are the racial predilections for bronchiectasis?How does the prevalence of bronchiectasis vary by sex?How does the prevalence of bronchiectasis vary by age?What is the mortality rate for bronchiectasis?What are common complications of bronchiectasis?What are the risk factors for an increased mortality from bronchiectasis?Where can patient education information be found for bronchiectasis?What are the classic clinical presentation of bronchiectasis?What is dry bronchiectasis?What type of diagnosis is bronchiectasis?A single episode of which severe infections may cause bronchiectasis?How does chronic wet cough increase the risk for bronchiectasis?What are the signs and symptoms of exacerbations of bronchiectasis?How is cough characterized in bronchiectasis?In addition to cough, what are the signs and symptoms of bronchiectasis?Which physical findings suggest bronchiectasis?Which physical findings suggest advanced bronchiectasis?Which etiologies should be considered in the differential diagnosis of bronchiectasis?What are the differential diagnoses for Bronchiectasis?How is bronchiectasis diagnosed?What is the role of lab testing in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis?How does anatomical distribution bronchiectasis aid in the identification of underlying etiology?How is sputum analysis used in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis?How is the CBC count used in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis?What is the role of quantitative immunoglobulin levels in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis?What is the role of quantitative serum alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) levels in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis?What is the role of pilocarpine iontophoresis (sweat test) in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis?What is the role of aspergillus precipitins and serum total IgE levels in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis?What is the role of autoimmune screening tests in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis?What are the advantages of high-resolution CT (HRCT) scanning for the diagnosis of bronchiectasis?Which findings on CT are characteristic of bronchiectasis?How is radiography used in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis?How are pulmonary function tests (PFTs) used in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis?What is the most common pulmonary function tests (PFTs) finding in bronchiectasis by?How is electron microscopic exam used in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis?What is the role of bronchography in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis?What is the role of bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis?What are the goals of therapy for bronchiectasis?What are the treatment options for bronchiectasis?What is the treatment approach to comorbidities of bronchiectasis?What are the supportive treatments for bronchiectasis?When is oxygen therapy indicated in the treatment of bronchiectasis?How should cystic fibrosis (CF) be managed in patients with bronchiectasis?What is the role of antibiotics in the treatment of bronchiectasis?How is antibiotic selection determined in the treatment of bronchiectasis?Which antibiotics are used in the treatment of mild to moderate bronchiectasis?What is the duration of antibiotic therapy for mild to moderate bronchiectasis?Which antibiotics used in the treatment of moderate-to-severe bronchiectasis?What are the ATS recommendations for treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in bronchiectasis?What are antibiotic regimens for ongoing monthly treatment of bronchiectasis?What is the role of aerosolized antibiotics in the treatment of bronchiectasis?What is the role of bronchial hygiene in the treatment of bronchiectasis?How is mucus clearance performed in patients with bronchiectasis?What is the role of bronchodilators in the treatment of bronchiectasis?What is the role of anti-inflammatory therapy for bronchiectasis?What is the role of beclomethasone dipropionate in the treatment of bronchiectasis?What is the role of inhaled fluticasone in the treatment of bronchiectasis?What is the role of azithromycin in the treatment of bronchiectasis?What is the role of corticosteroids in the treatment of bronchiectasis?When is surgery considered in the treatment of bronchiectasis?What are the indications for surgical intervention of bronchiectasis?What are the complications of surgical intervention for bronchiectasis?How does patient selection affect the outcome of surgical intervention for bronchiectasis?What are the indications for lung transplantation in bronchiectasis?Which specialists should be consulted for the management of bronchiectasis?What is included in the long-term monitoring of bronchiectasis?What are the European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines for etiologic testing of newly diagnosed bronchiectasis?What are the European Respiratory Society (ERS) recommendations for duration of antibiotic therapy for exacerbations of bronchiectasis?What are the European Respiratory Society (ERS) treatment guidelines for P aeruginosa infection in bronchiectasis?What are the European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines for use of inhaled corticosteroids in patients with bronchiectasis?What are the European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines for use of statins in patients with bronchiectasis?What are the European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines long-term antibiotic treatment regimens for bronchiectasis?What are the European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines for long-term mucoactive treatment of bronchiectasis?What are the European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines for use of bronchodilators in the treatment of bronchiectasis?What are the European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines for surgical interventions for bronchiectasis?What are the European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines for airway clearance in bronchiectasis?What are the European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines for pulmonary rehabilitation in the treatment of bronchiectasis?What is the role of medication in the treatment of bronchiectasis?Which medications in the drug class Antibiotics are used in the treatment of Bronchiectasis?Which medications in the drug class Inhaled Beta Agonist are used in the treatment of Bronchiectasis?Which medications in the drug class Inhaled Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of Bronchiectasis?Which medications in the drug class Expectorants are used in the treatment of Bronchiectasis?

Author

Ethan E Emmons, MD, Physician

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editors

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape.

Daniel R Ouellette, MD, FCCP, Associate Professor of Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine; Medical Director, Pulmonary Medicine General Practice Unit (F2), Senior Staff and Attending Physician, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Zab Mosenifar, MD, FACP, FCCP, Geri and Richard Brawerman Chair in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Professor and Executive Vice Chairman, Department of Medicine, Medical Director, Women's Guild Lung Institute, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

Helen M Hollingsworth, MD, Director, Adult Asthma and Allergy Services, Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Boston Medical Center

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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Cylindrical bronchiectasis with signet-ring appearance. Note that the luminal airway diameter is greater than the diameter of the adjacent vessel.

Cylindrical bronchiectasis with signet-ring appearance. Note that the luminal airway diameter is greater than the diameter of the adjacent vessel.

Cystic and cylindrical bronchiectasis of the right lower lobe on a posterior-anterior chest radiograph.

Varicose bronchiectasis with alternating areas of bronchial dilatation and constriction.

This CT scan depicts areas of both cystic bronchiectasis and varicose bronchiectasis.

Cylindrical bronchiectasis with signet-ring appearance. Note that the luminal airway diameter is greater than the diameter of the adjacent vessel.

Cystic and cylindrical bronchiectasis of the right lower lobe on a posterior-anterior chest radiograph.

Varicose bronchiectasis with alternating areas of bronchial dilatation and constriction.

This CT scan depicts areas of both cystic bronchiectasis and varicose bronchiectasis.