Anything that causes constant damage to the airways can lead to bronchiectasis. Lung infections are also a major cause. So, too, are diseases that either damage the lungs themselves or make lung infections more likely. These include:

• Cystic fibrosis (leads to nearly 50 of every 100 cases in the U.S.)
• Severe pneumonia infection
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Whooping cough or measles
• Tuberculosis
• Fungal infections
• Immunodeficiency disorders
• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)
• Disorders that affect cilia function
• Chronically inhaling food or liquids into the lungs
• Certain autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Airway blockage (such as from an object breathed in as a child or from a tumor)
• Lung development problems that were present at birth (congenital)

In many cases, the exact cause is unknown.

You are more likely to get bronchiectasis if you have a condition that damages your airways or raises your chance of a lung infection. Treating these health problems can lower your risk of bronchiectasis.

Damage to the airways often starts in childhood. You may not have symptoms until months or years after repeated infections. Common signs include:

• Persistent cough (may become bloody)
• Large amounts of mucus (sputum) coughed up daily
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest pain
• Thickening of the flesh under your fingernails and toenails (clubbing)
• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• Failure of a child to gain weight and grow correctly

Some people have few or no symptoms. Others have daily symptoms that get worse over time.

Your healthcare provider will first ask you about your health history. They will also give you an exam. You may need tests to help with the diagnosis. These tests may help figure out underlying causes that might need treatment. The tests may include:

• Chest CT scan. This shows precise pictures of your airways. It is typically used to make the diagnosis.
• Chest X-ray. This provides information about your heart and lungs.
• Blood tests. These are done to figure out if you have an underlying condition.
• Sputum culture. This is done to see if your sputum contains certain bacteria or fungi.
• Sweat test or genetic testing. This is done to rule out cystic fibrosis.
• Blood tests. These are done to see if you have low levels of antibodies (immunoglobulins) in your blood.
• Lung function tests. These can see how much lung damage you have.
• Bronchoscopy. This looks inside the airways. It is done if you don’t respond to treatment.

Bronchiectasis is often treated with medicine. You may also need physical therapy. You should stay hydrated, too. Drinking enough water can help prevent the mucus from thickening, which can make it hard to cough up.

Some possible medicines you may take are:

• Antibiotics. These treat the repeated infections.
• Bronchodilators. These relax your airway muscles and make breathing easier.
• Inhaled steroids. These decrease the inflammation (often combined in the same inhaler as bronchodilators).
• Expectorants and mucus thinners. These help loosen the mucus in the lungs and make it easier to cough up.
• Decongestants. These help ease congestion.

Chest physical therapy is another important part of treatment. It includes pounding your chest and back repeatedly to loosen the mucus from your lungs. You may also learn special breathing methods. These can move the mucus into the upper part of your airway so that you can cough it up. Your healthcare provider may also advise using a handheld or wearable device. These help move and clear mucus from your lungs. Many devices are available. Your provider will tell you the options that are best for you.

Some people may need oxygen therapy. Oxygen levels in their blood may be too low. Your healthcare provider may also advise surgery. It may be an option if other treatments haven’t worked and the condition is isolated in one area of the lung. In rare cases, you might need a lung transplant.

Your treatment plan will depend on the severity of your symptoms, your other health conditions, and other factors. Early diagnosis and treatment can stop the condition from getting worse.

Respiratory failure is one possible complication. It happens when not enough oxygen passes from your lungs into your blood. It can cause severe shortness of breath. Your skin may also turn a bluish color. You might need oxygen therapy or CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure).

As the airways become damaged, it may cause some of the blood vessels in the airways to have thinner walls. These are more likely to break open and cause bleeding from the lung. This is called hemoptysis.

If the mucus becomes thick and blocks the entire airway, a part of your lung may also collapse. That can cause more shortness of breath.

The following steps can help prevent bronchiectasis:

• Make sure you and your children have had the vaccines for measles and whooping cough.
• Get annual flu vaccinations and advised pneumonia vaccinations.
• Stay away from harmful substances that can damage your lungs, such as smoke, gases, and fumes.
• Seek treatment right away for any lung infections.
• Watch children to make sure they don’t breathe in small objects. Get medical care right away if that happens.
• Quickly treat any condition that can cause bronchiectasis.

Your healthcare provider will tell you how to manage bronchiectasis. These instructions might include:

• Being vaccinated for the flu and pneumonia
• Washing your hands often
• Quitting smoking
• Eating a healthy diet
• Staying hydrated
• Staying physically active