Complications
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Complications of bronchiectasis are rare,
but they can be serious. One of the most serious complications is coughing up
large amounts of blood, caused by one of the blood vessels in the lungs
splitting. This problem can be life-threatening and may require emergency
surgery to treat it.
Prevention
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Bronchiectasis due to genetic defects is
currently not preventable. However, the incidence in the rate of progression of
bronchiectasis can be reduced by avoiding those environmental factors that
increase bronchiectasis risk such as alcohol, drugs, environmental toxins and
smoking cigarettes. In addition, avoiding those situations that can lead to
pulmonary infections can reduce the risk of developing bronchiectasis.
Pertussis (whooping cough) in children can lead to bronchiectasis later in
life. Immunization can prevent this cause.
Prognosis
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The outlook for people with bronchiectasis
is highly variable and often depends on the underlying cause. In general,
congenital causes of bronchiectasis (cystic fibrosis, for example) usually have
a worse prognosis than bronchiectasis developed from acquired diseases. Those
with acquired bronchiectasis can have a fair to good prognosis if
bronchiectasis is recognized early and appropriate treatment is done. However,
bronchiectasis is often slowly progressive. Those patients that pay attention
to getting early and appropriate treatment along with avoiding situations that
may exacerbate the disease will likely have a fair to good prognosis.
Living with bronchiectasis can be stressful
and frustrating, but most people with the condition have a normal life
expectancy. For people with very severe symptoms, however, bronchiectasis can
be fatal if the lungs stop working properly.
