Bronchiectasis

Welcome to the Bronchiectasis Service

The Bronchiectasis Service assesses and treats individuals with bronchiectasis. Patients are referred to us by both GPs and other hospital consultants from a wide area. We hold outpatient clinics at both Wythenshawe and Withington Hospital sites.

The most accurate way of diagnosing bronchiectasis is by a CT scan of the lungs. This can also give information as to the extent of the bronchiectasis. We will also take a history, do a clinical examination, breathing tests and take sputum samples to find out what bacteria are present. We will then recommend treatments tailored to each individual patient, based on factors including symptoms, severity of the condition and its underlying cause.

We will offer investigations to see if we can find the underlying cause of the bronchiectasis, although in many people we do not know why this happens.  Many of the investigations are different types of blood tests.

We also run a research program to understand why people get bronchiectasis and to look for new treatments. If you attend our service, we will give you the opportunity to participate in this work, if you so wish.

What is Bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis is a long-term condition where the airways in your lungs become damaged and widened. Because your airways are widened, phlegm (sputum) can build up in them. This can increase your risk of getting infections, as the built-up phlegm makes it easier for bacteria to get trapped in your airways. This can lead to symptoms; the most common are a productive cough with sputum, tiredness, breathlessness and chest discomfort.

Bronchiectasis cannot usually be cured. The aim of treatment is to manage your symptoms and help stop them getting worse. There are several conditions that can lead to bronchiectasis, although the underlying cause is not found in all cases.

What tests might I have?

We use several tests to help investigate and manage patients with bronchiectasis, including:

• Breathing tests (to look for any narrowing of the airways)
• Blood tests
• Sputum cultures to look for infection
• Chest X-rays
• Lung CT scans (to look at the structure of the lungs)

Some of these tests may be done in our clinic, and others may be arranged at another time. Not every patient will need to have all these tests, and any investigations will be tailored by your clinician, depending on your symptoms.

Possible treatment options

Treatments include airway clearance techniques to help move and clear sputum from your lungs. Our physiotherapist will assess and teach you the most appropriate airway clearance techniques for you. They may also provide you with additional handheld devices and medications to help move your sputum.

We will also advise you about using antibiotics to treat any airway infection. We will also assess if we think you may benefit from using inhalers if there is narrowing of the airways, and other interventions such as exercise, pulmonary rehabilitation and supplemental oxygen.

Research

We often have several ongoing research studies looking at new treatments for bronchiectasis. We may ask you if you are interested in participating in any research studies, although there is no obligation to take part.

Our Team

Our team is made up of specialist doctors and physiotherapists.