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Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a lung condition in which the airways of the lungs get bigger and often get infected. It occurs mainly in people who have diseases that affect different parts of the body, such as cystic fibrosis, although it may occur after a severe infection, such as pneumonia.

Symptoms of bronchiectasis differ from person to person. A common symptom is a cough that brings up mucus (sputum).

Bronchiectasis is generally treated with antibiotics, medicines that relax the airways (bronchodilators), and medicines that make it easier to cough up mucus (expectorants).

Last Revised: June 15, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: John Pope, MD - Pediatrics & Susanna McColley, MD - Pediatric Pulmonology

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