Bronchiectasis overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Bronchiectasis is a disease that causes localized, irreversible dilatation of part of the bronchial tree. Involved bronchi are dilated, inflamed, and easily collapsible, resulting in airflow obstruction and impaired clearance of secretions. Bronchiectasis is associated with a wide range of disorders, but it usually results from necrotizing bacterial infections, such as infections caused by the Staphylococcus or Klebsiella species or Bordetella pertussis.[1]
Rene Theophile Hyacinthe Laënnec, the man who invented the stethoscope, used his creation to first discover bronchiectasis in 1819.[2]. The disease was researched in greater detail by Sir William Osler in the late 1800s; in fact, it is suspected that Osler actually died of complications from undiagnosed bronchiectasis[3].
Pathophysiology
Bronchiectasis involves bronchi that are dilated, inflamed, and easily collapsible. This results in airflow obstruction and impaired clearance of secretions.
Causes
Bronchiectasis can be caused by both, congenital and acquired factors. Congenital factors include conditions such as Kartagener syndrome and Young's syndrome. Acquired factors include tuberculosis infections such as endobronchial tuberculosis as well as inflammatory bowl diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
References
- ↑ Hassan, Isaac (December 8, 2006). "Bronchiectasis". eMedicine Specialties Encyclopedia. Gibraltar: WebMD.
- ↑ Roguin, A (2006). "Rene Theophile Hyacinthe Laënnec (1781–1826): The Man Behind the Stethoscope". Clin Med Res. 4 (3): 230–35.
- ↑ Wrong O (2003). "Osler and my father". J R Soc Med. 96 (6): 462–64.