Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Bronchiectasis history and symptoms
Introduction
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.
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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.