Bronchiectasis history and symptoms
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Hamid Qazi, MD, BSc [2], Saarah T. Alkhairy, M.D.
Overview
Overview
Symptoms of bronchiectasis can take months or even years to develop. The most common symptoms are a chronic cough and daily sputum production.
Bronchiectasis History and Symptoms
Bronchiectasis History and Symptoms
Acute exacerbations can be defined as patients reporting four or more of the following symptoms:[1]
- Change in sputum production
- Dyspnea
- Cough
- Fever > 38°C
- Wheeze
- Decreased exercise tolerance
- Fatigue
- Reduced pulmonary function
- Changes in chest sounds
- Radiographic changes consistent with a new infection
Common Symptoms
- Cough (>90%) lasting for months or years
- Daily sputum production (70-96%)
- Dyspnea (62-72%)
- Fatigue
- Decreased exercise tolerance
- Recurrent infections with the frequent need of antibiotics
Less common Symptoms
- Hemoptysis (25-50%)
- Low-grade Fever
- Pleuritic chest pain (19-46%)
- Rhinosinusitis (33-73%)
- Foul odor of sputum
- Weight loss
- Snoring
References
References
- ↑ O’Donnell, Anne E. (2008). “Bronchiectasis”. Chest. 134 (4): 815–823. doi:10.1378/chest.08-0776. ISSN 0012-3692.
Template:WH Template:WS
Looking for the patient version?
© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH