define: bronchioectasis?

Answer 1

It's the widening of the fine, thin-walled tubular extensions of one of the 2 main branches of the trachea that lead directly to the lungs.

Answer 2

Bronchiectasis is an abnormal destruction and dilation (widening) of the large airways. A person may be born with it (congenital bronchiectasis) or may acquire it later in life as a result of another disorder.

Bronchiectasis is often caused by recurrent inflammation or infection of the airways. It may be present at birth, but most often begins in childhood as a complication from infection or inhaling a foreign object.

Cystic fibrosis causes about 50% of all bronchiectasis in the United States today. Recurrent, severe lung infections (pneumonia, tuberculosis, fungal infections), abnormal lung defenses, and obstruction of the airway by a foreign body or tumor are some of the predisposing factors. It can also be caused by routinely breathing in food particles while eating.

Symptoms often develop gradually, and may occur months or years after the event that causes the bronchiectasis.

Answer 3

Bronchiectasis is a chronic inflammatory or degenerative condition of one or more bronchi or bronchioles of the lungs marked by dilatation and loss of elasticity of the walls. Infection is the mechanism by which the disease progresses. The disease, left untreated, will continue to damage lung tissue and bronchial tubes and cause emphysema and severe breathing difficulties.

Dilation of the bronchial walls results in airflow obstruction and impaired clearance of secretions because the dilated areas interrupt normal air pressure of the bronchial tubes, causing sputum to pool inside the dilated areas instead of being pushed upward. The pooled sputum provides an environment conducive to the growth of infectious pathogens, and these areas of the lungs are thus very vulnerable to infection. The more the lungs experience infections, the more lung tissue and alveoli are damaged, and the more inelastic and dilated the bronchial tubes become, perpetuating the cycle of the disease.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronchiectasis

Answer 4

Do you mean: Bronchiectasis is an abnormal destruction and dilation (widening) of the large airways. A person may be born with it (congenital) or may acquire it later in life as a result of another disorder.

Answer 5

Chronic dilation of the bronchus or bronchi, usually in the lower portion of the lung, caused by damaging effects and long standing infections. symptoms include coughing, dyspnea, and expectoration of foul sputum esp in the morning or when the individual changes positions. Secondary: bronchopneumonia, chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, cycstic fibrosis or whooping cough.

Answer 6

Bronchiectasis is the dilatation of bronchi --it causes stasis,infection and obstruction