Logo of World Bronchiectasis Day, July 1st, 2022

The first World Bronchiectasis Day will be held on July 1st, 2022. The aim is to raise awareness, exchange knowledge, and discuss strategies for minimizing the bronchiectasis burden on patients and their families worldwide.

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition. The disease involves enlarged airways that are thickened and/or scarred. These changes can cause mucus to accumulate in the lungs. The excessive build-up of mucus in the airways can lead to repeated infections which can further damage the lungs and worsen respiratory symptoms.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of bronchiectasis are:

  • Cough with sputum (often with thick, discolored mucus in varying amounts),
  • shortness of breath,
  • repeated lung infections,
  • fatigue,
  • inexplicable fever,
  • chills,
  • weight loss, and
  • chest pain.

Diagnosis of Bronchiectasis

It is most commonly diagnosed using a high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scan of the lungs – a type of X-ray gives a very detailed picture of the lungs. The image shows where the airway abnormalities are located in the lungs and the extent of lung damage.

Treatment

At present, there is no cure for bronchiectasis, but it can be treated effectively.

There are two key parts to proper treatment:

  1. First, it is essential to remove the retained mucus from the airways (airway clearance), which may include: manual airway clearance techniques, use of airway clearance devices, medications, aerobic exercise, and drinking plenty of water.
  2. Second, prevention and treatment of infections, if present. This involves taking a sputum sample to find bacteria, fungi (molds), or mycobacteria in the airways. Once the type of infection is identified, it can be treated with the appropriate antibiotics.

Look out for early warning signs of a flare-up and consult your doctor about developing the most suitable treatment plan. Research and clinical trials are currently underway to explore improved treatment options for bronchiectasis.

Download the “Basics of Bronchiectasis” Info Brochure:

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Who is behind World Bronchiectasis Day?

World Bronchiectasis Day 2022 is being organized by an international planning committee co-chaired by Dr. Tim Aksamit, Medical Director of Bronchiectasis and NTM 360 at the COPD Foundation, and Professor James Chalmers, EMBARC Chair and British Lung Foundation Chair of Respiratory Research, University of Dundee. The international planning committee is comprised of patient advocates, representatives from collaborating global patient advocacy organizations and professional societies, and leading experts. It aims to raise global awareness, share knowledge, and discuss ways to reduce the burden of Bronchiectasis for patients and their families worldwide.

For more information on Bronchiectasis, go to:

https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/

Related topics:

What is COPD?

What is Asthma?

What is an Allergy?

More Awareness Days and other GAAPP Events:

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