ABSTRACT
This chapter defines the term "bronchiectasis" as a permanent widening (dilatation) of the bronchi, generally presenting clinically as a persistent cough with excessive phlegm production and recurrent respiratory infections. It can develop in one or many locations in the lungs. Bronchiectasis is often associated with recurrent respiratory infections, sometimes with unusual agents such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is caused by a large number of disorders, but often results from a postinfectious inflammatory process. There are many diseases leading to the development of bronchiectasis. They can be associated with a localized process damaging the bronchi or to a systemic disease. Obstructive causes of bronchiectasis include foreign body aspiration—mainly found in the right inferior lobe—obstructive endobronchial tumor, and respiratory infectious sequelae, particularly with bronchial stenosis. Bronchiectasis can be associated with a mild to moderate bronchial obstruction. The diagnosis of bronchiectasis can be suspected clinically when large volumes of sputum are produced daily.
