Common symptoms of bronchiectasis include a persistent cough that produces mucus or pus, frequent colds, and recurring chest infections. People may also experience wheezing and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, symptoms can include coughing up blood, chest pain, and significant fatigue.

According to Asthma + Lung UK, around four in 10 cases of bronchiectasis have no clear cause; this is known as idiopathic bronchiectasis. However, the condition can also develop as a result of infections or other underlying medical conditions. Severe infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), measles, or whooping cough can damage the airways and lead to bronchiectasis. Other possible causes include long-term conditions like COPD, asthma, and cystic fibrosis, as well as autoimmune or inflammatory disorders and conditions that weaken the immune system.

After listening to your chest, a healthcare professional may recommend further tests to help make a diagnosis. These can include a chest X-ray, lung function tests, and blood or mucus samples. Based on the results, a CT scan may be required to confirm the diagnosis.

There is currently no cure for bronchiectasis; however, many people are able to manage their symptoms effectively.

A healthcare professional will provide personalised advice and recommend treatments to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment options may include breathing techniques to help clear mucus from the lungs, medications such as antibiotics, inhalers, or macrolides (a class of antibiotics), and sometimes oxygen therapy. In certain cases, surgery may be considered.

A chest X-ray can sometimes show signs that suggest bronchiectasis, but a CT scan is usually needed to confirm bronchiectasis, as it provides more detailed images of the airways.

No, bronchiectasis and COPD are separate lung conditions. However, COPD can sometimes lead to bronchiectasis, as it may cause damage to the airways over time.