bronchiectasis

Question 1

what is it

Answer 1

abnormal and permanently dilated airways

Question 2

what is it characterised by

Answer 2

• neutrophilic inflammation
• recurrent infection
• damage to the airway

Question 3

what does it impair

Answer 3

mucociliary clearance

Question 4

what is the lead cause

Answer 4

tuberculosis

Question 5

causes

Answer 5

• foreign body
• tuberculosis
• tumour
• pneumonia
• sarcoidosis
• IPF
• HIV

Question 6

symptoms

Answer 6

• cough
• sputum (large amounts)
• breathlessness
• haemoptysis (signs infection)
• infection
• pleuritic chest pain
• coarse cackles
• clubbing

Question 7

what is investigation of choice

Answer 7

HRCT

Question 8

what does HRCT show

Answer 8

tram track airways

Question 9

what other investigations can be done

Answer 9

• CXR
• sputum exam
• sweat test
• nasal nitric oxide

Question 10

what can be seen on CXR

Answer 10

• tram track airways
• ring shadows
• cysts

Question 11

what is sputum exam useful for

Answer 11

focused antibiotic treatment

Question 12

what should be done to all patients under 40

Answer 12

sweat test

Question 13

what are 3 broad categories for treatment

Answer 13

• airway clearance
• anti-inflammatories
• infection

Question 14

what is used for anti-inflammatory

Answer 14

long term azithromycin

Question 15

how long does treatment for exacerbation last

Answer 15

2 weeks

Question 16

what is good for treating pseudomonas

Answer 16

ciprofloxacin

Question 17

what infection is common in bronchiectasis

Answer 17

haemophilus influenza

Question 18

treatment for haemophilus influenza

Answer 18

• amoxicillin
• co-amoxiclav
• doxycycline

Question 19

what should patients with reduced exercise capacity be given

Answer 19

pulmonary rehabilitation

Question 20

what is respiratory failure treated with

Answer 20

oxygen and non-invasive ventilation