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Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a lung condition in which the airways of the lungs get bigger and frequently infected. It occurs mainly in people with diseases that affect different parts of the body, such as cystic fibrosis, although it may occur after a severe infection, such as pneumonia.

Symptoms of bronchiectasis differ from person to person. A common symptom is a cough that brings up mucus (sputum).

Bronchiectasis is generally treated with antibiotics, medications that relax the airways (bronchodilators), and medications that make it easier to cough up mucus (expectorants).

Author Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD
- Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Susanna McColley, MD
- Pediatric Pulmonology
Last Updated June 26, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: June 26, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.