Bronchiectasis: A Chronic Lung Condition

Bronchiectasis: A chronic lung condition you shouldn’t ignore

Bronchiectasis is a long-term lung condition that affects hundreds of thousands of people in the United States—and many more worldwide. While it’s not as well-known as asthma or COPD, bronchiectasis can have a serious impact on your daily life and long-term health if left untreated.

This condition occurs when the airways in your lungs (bronchi) become permanently widened and damaged, leading to a buildup of mucus that can cause frequent infections, coughing, and breathing difficulties.

If you’re constantly dealing with a chronic cough, unexplained respiratory infections, or shortness of breath, board-certified pulmonologist Dr. Michael N. Newton—who serves patients in and around Tampa, Florida—can help you get the answers and care you need.

In this blog, Dr. Newton explains what everyone should know about bronchiectasis and why early diagnosis is key.

When bronchiectasis becomes a chronic issue

While occasional lung infections aren’t uncommon, repeated respiratory infections or a persistent productive cough could be signs of something more serious. Bronchiectasis is typically the result of long-term lung damage, often caused by previous infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, or conditions like cystic fibrosis or immune system disorders.

In bronchiectasis, the damaged airways lose their ability to clear out mucus effectively. That trapped mucus becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to recurring infections, inflammation, and further airway damage—a cycle that can be hard to break without proper treatment.

Common symptoms of bronchiectasis include:

• A persistent cough that sometimes produces large amounts of mucus, but not in every patient
• Shortness of breath, especially during activity
• Chest discomfort or wheezing
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Fatigue and general feelings of being unwell

Why managing bronchiectasis matters

Your lungs are essential to your body’s ability to oxygenate your blood and remove waste gases like carbon dioxide. When they’re compromised, everything from your energy levels to your immune function can suffer.

If left untreated, bronchiectasis can lead to:

• Frequent and severe lung infections
• Declining lung function over time
• Respiratory failure
• Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
• Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)

People with bronchiectasis are also at increased risk for serious conditions like pulmonary hypertension and chronic respiratory failure.

Treating bronchiectasis to protect your lung health

The goal of treatment is to break the cycle of mucus buildup, inflammation, and infection. Dr. Newton works with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include:

• Airway clearance techniques to help remove mucus from the lungs
• Inhaled bronchodilators or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Antibiotics to treat or prevent infections
• Pulmonary rehabilitation to strengthen breathing muscles and improve endurance
• Vaccinations to prevent respiratory infections

In some cases, surgery may be recommended if a specific part of the lung is severely damaged and causing repeated infections.

Lifestyle tips to support lung health

Alongside medical treatment, Dr. Newton encourages patients to adopt healthy habits that support their respiratory system:

• Stay hydrated to thin mucus and make it easier to clear
• Avoid smoking and exposure to air pollutants
• Exercise regularly (with guidance) to improve lung capacity
• Use a humidifier in dry environments to keep airways moist
• Practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of infections

If you’re experiencing symptoms of bronchiectasis or dealing with frequent lung infections, don’t wait for complications to arise. Early diagnosis and intervention can slow disease progression and improve your quality of life.

To book a consultation with Dr. Newton, call the office at 813-975-4300 or request an appointment online.                    Bottom of Form