Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition in which damaged airways become permanently widened and have difficulty clearing mucus. Mucus can build up, making repeated lung infections and further airway damage more likely. Early diagnosis and treatment can help protect lung function and reduce flare-ups.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary, but common features include:
- a persistent cough, often producing mucus or sputum every day
- repeated chest infections
- shortness of breath
- wheezing
- chest discomfort
- fatigue
- coughing up blood in some people
Symptoms may become noticeably worse during a flare-up, with increased coughing, more or changed mucus, fever, breathlessness or fatigue.
Causes
Bronchiectasis can develop after airway injury from infection or another medical condition. Causes and associated conditions include cystic fibrosis, immune disorders, primary ciliary dyskinesia, severe or repeated lung infections, aspiration, some autoimmune diseases, asthma, COPD and infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria. In some people, no specific cause is found.
Diagnosis
A healthcare professional will review symptoms, previous infections and other medical conditions. A chest CT scan is a key test because it can show widened and damaged airways in detail. Other investigations may include sputum cultures, blood tests and lung function tests. Testing for cystic fibrosis, immune disorders or genetic conditions may be appropriate in selected people.
Treatment
Treatment aims to clear mucus, treat infections, reduce flare-ups and address any underlying cause. Airway clearance techniques taught by a respiratory therapist or other trained professional are an important part of treatment for many people.
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial lung infections, and some people with frequent infections may need longer-term or inhaled antibiotic treatment under specialist supervision. Bronchodilators or other inhaled medicines may be prescribed when there is associated airway narrowing, asthma or COPD. Oxygen therapy and surgery are reserved for selected situations.
Reducing infections and flare-ups
- Learn and regularly use prescribed airway clearance techniques.
- Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Stay physically active as medically appropriate.
- Follow recommended vaccination guidance.
- Seek medical advice when mucus, coughing or breathlessness changes significantly.
When to seek urgent help
Seek prompt medical assessment if breathing becomes worse, fever develops with increasing respiratory symptoms, or you cough up blood. Use your local emergency medical service for severe breathing difficulty, blue or gray lips or skin, confusion, collapse, severe chest pain or coughing up a large amount of blood.
Related topics
Sources
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Bronchiectasis
- NHLBI: Bronchiectasis Diagnosis
- NHLBI: Bronchiectasis Treatment
- MedlinePlus: Bronchiectasis
Last reviewed: 4 September 2026. This page provides general health information and does not replace individual medical advice.