The Chest Clinic
Bronchiectasis
What is it?
Bronchiectasis is a long-term condition in which damaged airways become abnormally widened. Mucus can collect, increasing the risk of infection. It can follow infections or occur with immune and other conditions; sometimes no cause is found.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include a persistent cough, sputum, repeated chest infections, breathlessness and tiredness. Some people cough up blood. Symptoms may worsen during a flare-up, with more cough, changes in sputum, fever or reduced ability to exercise.
How is it diagnosed?
A chest CT scan is used to identify bronchiectasis. Assessment also looks for an underlying cause and measures its impact. Tests may include sputum cultures, blood tests and lung function; further specialist tests depend on your history.
How is it treated?
Personalised airway-clearance techniques, ideally taught by an experienced respiratory physiotherapist, are central to care. Suitable physical activity and pulmonary rehabilitation can improve exercise capacity and symptoms.
Antibiotics are used for infective flare-ups, guided by sputum results and clinical assessment. Selected people at high risk of further infections may need specialist long-term antibiotic treatment, with safety checks and monitoring. Inhaled steroids are not routinely used for bronchiectasis alone; another indication, such as asthma, may justify them. Treatment and follow-up should be individualised.
Flare-ups and urgent advice
Follow your agreed action plan and seek early advice for deterioration. Coughing up blood needs urgent assessment. Call 999 for severe breathing difficulty or more than a few spots or streaks of blood. Do not wait for a routine appointment.
Routine appointment contacts | Coughing up blood: urgent advice
Sources and further information
ERS 2025 guideline: European Lung Foundation patient guide
General information for adults; investigation and treatment are tailored to you.