What is Bronchiectasis?

This leaflet will explain what the condition Bronchiectasis is. Bronchiectasis is not a disease as such, but a pathological process. Bronchiectasis is a condition in which there is abnormal chronic dilatation, or widening, of the lower airways. This results in the accumulation of mucus in the airways and a tendency to bacterial infection. Bacterial infection itself causes the production of more mucus and airway damage, which results in more dilation. Untreated, this results in a “vicious cycle” with worsening damage to the lungs. The aim of treatment is to break this vicious cycle and hopefully allow the lungs to heal.