Bronchiectasis is a condition characterized by chronic cough with mucus and breathlessness due to permanent dilatation of parts of the airways.
Medications:
- Hypertonic saline nebulization 4 times a day.
- Respule Asthalin (Salbutamol 2.5 mg) nebulised over 10 minutes every 6 hours.
- Tab. Mucolite (Ambroxol 30 mg) – 1 tablet thrice a day.
- Chest physiotherapy and encourage postural drainage according to affected lobe.
Supportive treatments:
- Inj. Influvac adult (inactivated Influenza vaccine) i.m. every year as soon as it becomes available. Inj. Influvac kids (inactivated Influenza vaccine) i.m. for children.
- Inj. Pulmovax23 (Pnemococcal polysaccharide vaccine PPV 25 mcg) i.m. every 5 years.
- Cap. Mox 500 (Amoxicillin 500 mg) 1 capsule thrice a day for 10 days (for super added infections).
General advice:
- Advice patients to quit smoking.
- Avoid passive smoking, toxic fumes, gases, and other harmful inhaled substances.
- Promote deep breathing exercises.
Investigations:
- Complete blood count – to rule out septicemia.
- Chest x ray – to rule out pneumonia.
- Pulmonary function test – to assess the extent of damage to lung functions.
- Sputum culture – to rule out infection and for antibiotic sensitivity.
Referrals:
Consider referral to respiratory physician if patient fails to respond to treatment or presents with additional complications or severe respiratory distress.