When a person inhales air, harmful particles can get trapped in mucus in the airways. However, those who develop bronchiectasis may experience trouble with this process. Bronchiectasis is a health condition that causes damage to the lungs, making them wider or forming pouches. The complication makes clearing mucus from the lungs tough and may lead to recurrent infections. Following this, the bacteria grow in the mucus, leading to more inflammation and lung damage.

Stages
Experts suggest that bronchiectasis is caused by two stages of airway damage. In the first phase, the initial damage is caused by an infection, inflammatory disorder, or other conditions affecting the lungs. The first stage puts one at a higher risk of inflammation and repeated infections that trigger further damage to the lungs. This is known as the second phase of bronchiectasis.

Causes
Experts are yet to determine the initial cause in up to 40% of people with the condition. The condition is most often linked to cystic fibrosis and other conditions, including:

• Autoimmune disease
• Immunodeficiency disorders, such as HIV or diabetes
• Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis – a type of allergic lung inflammation of the airways
• While men could develop the complication, women are at higher risk.
• Having other health conditions or recurring infections may also trigger bronchiectasis.
• An airway blockage could lead to the complication, such as a growth, or noncancerous tumor.

Types
There are two common types of bronchiectasis, which experts also use to categorize the extent of damage. The categorization is based on the extent of damage to the airways.  Cylindrical bronchiectasis is the most common and least serious form of bronchiectasis. On the other hand, cystic bronchiectasis is the most severe type of the condition. Experts may also categorize bronchiectasis as focal (in one area or multiple areas throughout  the lungs). In addition, one should note that they may also develop traction bronchiectasis when scarring in the lungs pulls the airways out of shape.

Symptoms
The symptoms of bronchiectasis could take months or years to develop and gradually become worse. The two primary symptoms are a daily cough and daily production of mucus (sputum).

• Shortness of breath
• Coughing up yellow or green mucus daily
• Fever and/or chills
• Hemoptysis – coughing up blood or mucus mixed with blood
• Fatigue, feeling run-down or tired
• Wheezing or whistling sound when one breathes
• Clubbing, or thickening of the skin under the fingernails and toenails
• Chest pain
• Mucus that smells bad

Treatment options
Once bronchiectasis is diagnosed, an expert may recommend various healthcare solutions to treat underlying conditions, remove excess mucus, prevent lung infections, and prevent flare-ups, also called exacerbations.

Antibiotics
Antibiotics are the most common type of treatment option for bronchiectasis. While oral antibiotics are suggested for most patients, infections that are harder to treat may require intravenous (IV) alternatives. The expert will determine the right type of antibiotic for the patient, which will be based on the type of bacteria causing the infection, and possible resistance to certain antibiotics.

Mucus thinning prescriptions
These are usually prescribed to help loosen and cough up mucus. These are often mixed with other prescriptions, turned into a mist, and inhaled deep into the lungs.  Mucus thinning prescriptions are usually used along with a decongestant.

Airway clearance devices
Few patients might need to exhale into a hand-held device to break up mucus. A few devices may include Intrapulmonary Percussive Ventilation (IPV), Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP), and Postural Drainage. In addition to this, an expert may also recommend Chest Physical Therapy (CPT), or chest physiotherapy. The technique is performed by a respiratory therapist, and involves clapping down on the chest in a way that loosens mucus from the lungs so it can be expelled. Today, one could also procure electronic chest clappers or vests that make it easier to perform CPT at home.

Apart from the methods above, experts may recommend other treatment options to address bronchiectasis.

• Oxygen therapy may help raise low blood oxygen levels.
• Surgery might  be recommended in extreme situations where the bronchiectasis is isolated to a section of  the lung, or there is excessive bleeding.

Remedies
One should note that bronchiectasis is a chronic condition. Therefore, one should ensure they work with a healthcare provider to try out natural remedies to manage the complication while continuing the established treatment plan. 

• Following a healthy meal regime that is low in added sugars, saturated fats, refined grains, and sodium
• Drinking adequate amount of water to stay hydrated and prevent mucus build-up
• Ensuring that oral and inhaled prescriptions are taken diligently, and carrying out mucus clearance techniques daily
• Staying up to date on recommended vaccinations
• Taking antibiotics as prescribed by a healthcare provider during flare-ups

Individuals with bronchiectasis should note that a flare-up may occur occasionally, even after maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This might stem from new respiratory infections or overgrowth of bacteria. Symptoms that might indicate a flare-up include increased mucus production of a different color or blood, a fever, fatigue, change in BMI, and worsening shortness of breath. In such cases, one should immediately get in touch with their healthcare provider to diagnose the problem and initiate appropriate treatments.