Is bronchiectasis infectious?

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Just wondering, because my friend has it... so should I stay away from her??? I understand she is obviously having a hard time and everything, but I don't really want to catch anything myself. I know I might sound a bit selfish, but I know she has had a history of other diseases and conditions as well.
It isn't infectious--Bronchiectasis is a permanent abnormal widening (dilation) in one or more of the airways (bronchi). Extra mucus tends to form and pool in the parts of the airways that are widened. Widened airways with extra mucus are prone to infection
The cause is often not clear and no cause can be found in over half of cases. An underlying cause is found in about 4 in 10 cases. Some conditions that affect or damage airways can cause bronchiectasis. Examples include the following.

Some inherited conditions. For example, a condition called primary ciliary dyskinesia affects the cilia so they do not 'beat' correctly to clear the mucus. Cystic fibrosis is another condition that affects the lungs and causes 'bronchiectatic' airways. Some rare immune problems can cause lung infections and damage to airways.
Inhaled objects, such as peanuts, can become stuck and block an airway. This may lead to local damage to that airway. Acid from the stomach that is regurgitated and inhaled can also damage airways. Inhaling poisonous gases may also cause damage.
Severe lung infections such as tuberculosis (TB), whooping cough, pneumonia or measles can damage the airways at the time of infection. Ongoing bronchiectasis may then develop.
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is bronchiectasis a rare disease,how many people develope this?

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We don't really know how many people get bronchiectasis. There haven't been any good statistics to show how common it is.

Bronchiectasis seems to:

* Have become less common in the last 50 years
* Be more common in people living in poorer countries than in richer countries.

It's now quite unusual in Europe and the US. When it does happen, it's most often because of cystic fibrosis.[1]

Most people develop bronchiectasis in childhood, although it can start at any age.  (+ info)

Is Bronchiectasis a form of COPD?

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There seems to be some confusion, some people think Bronchiectasis is not part of COPD while others its a form of OPD. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has experience with Bronchiectasis
yes..its a COPD...the rest r ASTHMA,CHRONIC BRONCHITIS,EMPHYSEMA...BRONCHIECTASIS IS A CHRONIC FORM SHOWING PERMANANT DILATATION OF THE BRONCHI DUE TO CONSTANT OBSTRUCTION AND INFECTION BY BACTERIA  (+ info)

does any one on here have bronchiectasis or know someone that does,and do they get a lot of lung infections?

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thanks! I tought I was the only one
also what are some of the infections that you get
the question is bronchiectasis not bronchitis. It is the scarring of you lungs .
I am referring to the scarring of the lungs( Bronchiectasis) not Bronchitis. Thanks
I am referring to the scarring of the lungs( Bronchiectasis) not Bronchitis. Thanks
Yes, i do to both of the questions.  (+ info)

Medicine for Bronchiectasis?

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Hello.. I need some information about treatment for Bronchiectasis. My dad has Bronchiectasis since year 2004. The doctor gives him antibiotics, but now my dad want to try alternative mendicine or maybe combination of herbal and modern medicine. Does anyone know about the doctor or hospital who have expertise in it? Please help. Thanks in advance.
The only time he needs antibiotics is when he has bronchitis or pneumonia. Bronchiactisis normally doesn't require treatment unless it causes a problem. He needs to under a pulmonary doctors care. My girlfriend was diagnosed with this last winter. She was on steroids for a short time and now takes nothing for it unless she gets brochitis or pneumonia.  (+ info)

Bronchiectasis.....my son has this any good way to help him?

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hi are son is 4... 1/2 and has suffered a bad cheat since his birth in 04 he all so has hi pulmonary pressure we have lots of stays in hospital s... and antibiotics are not much good ... well they don't keep it at bay ,,, any suggestions welcome
probably your son has some congenital form of bronchiectasis or immunodeficiency state.
try using steam, and chest physiotherapy and bronchodilation by nebulization
in this i will recommend to consult your doc immediately if there is some resp problem or change in intensity of cough
if you want to try alternative medicine it is your choice  (+ info)

difference between emphysema and bronchiectasis?

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both bronchiectasis and emphysema are classifed as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD)

emphysema mainly is the problem with the elastic recoil of the lung. our lungs can expand to its maximum size and has the ability to go back (or recoil) to its original shape. 2 causes for emphysema
1. congenital -- meaning from birth. some people (rare cases) have a condition called "alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency" and this is responsible for the recoil of the lung
2. smoking -- destroys that "recoil" -- so lungs become over inflated.

with emphysema, airways are constricted also (somewhat like asthma) and because of the loss of recoil of the lung AND constricted airways, all the CO2 is "trapped" in the patient's lungs.

Bronchiectasis is the abnormal and/or permanent distortion of one or more of the conducting bronchi or airways, most often follows an infectious process. Bronchiectasis is manifested by airways that are inflamed and easily collapsible, resulting in air flow obstruction and impaired clearance of secretions.

with bronchiectasis -- sputum is usually "brown" and has an unpleasant odor -- due to secretions that were trapped in the airways for long periods of time. (ew)

in order to diagnose which specific condition the patient has -- it takes CT scans and pulmonary function studies to do so.  (+ info)

does anyone have bronchiectasis, my husband has just been diagnosed with it, any advice?

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any advice on this what treatment you got and symptons ect
Hey, i dont have brochiectasis, but im a physiotherapist and work closely with those that do.

Firstly, make sure your husband understands he didnt get it as a result of anything he has done. Its not like alot of respiratory diseases where smoking may have caused it for example.. it can develop as a result of an immune system defect, or perhaps as a result of a previous infection eg. TB or measles.. etc.

Im sure this has been described to you, but its basically dilation (widening) of the airways leading to the lungs. This causes impaired drainage of pheglm (everyone has pheglm).. so there is more in the airways, which can then build up and lead to infection. This can then lead to infalmmation in the airways. This is what leads to the symptoms.

Symptoms can vary. Because ur husband is only recently diagnosed he may not have such severe symptoms, but they consist of.. cough with alot of sputum (pheglm), which may be bloodstained.. Shortness of breath is very common, and which causes alot of people to seek help. Other symptoms include chest pain, wheeze, perhaps fever, and weight loss.

As i say, all of these symptoms may not be found in your husband, but he may experience them at some stage.

Treatment includes basically antibiotics, and inhalers... or perhaps corticosteroids... this is upto his doctor to decide which is best for his condition.

From a physiotherapy point of view, your husband may be taught airway clearance techniques, that will help him cough up more pheglm, so there isnt as much lingering in the airways causing infection. He may be taught how to use certain pieces of equipment to help clear the sputim as well. For the shortness of breath he may be encouraged to use inhalers, and may be shown rest positions and breathing control techniques. If he suffers from chest pain, the physio may apply heat, or a TENS machines etc, and your husband may also be given exercise advice.

Dont take what I have said as gospel, it is all very general,and varys for every person. Unfortunately it is a chronic condition, and the widening in the airways is not reversible. It can be managed very well though if your husband does what he has been advised to do. Hope this helps :)  (+ info)

do anyone have bronchiectasis....and had infections with brownish color mucus...any remedy which really helps.?

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i really want to know is anyone suffering from this problem and any suggesstions which can help me from frequent infections and phelgum problem......any treatment which really helps....please share ur experiences..thanks
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remedies for a cough due to bronchiectasis?

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Really all you can do is take your medication on a regular basis, do not smoke or go into smokey atmospheres. A good old fashioned remedy is an inhalation at least twice a day. Pop some Tinc Benz in a bowl of hot water, pop a towel over your head and breath in nice and deeply. You can always use Vicks Vapour rub or just plain hot water.  (+ info)

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