Bronchiectasis: Evaluation and Long-Term Care
Bronchiectasis is a long-term lung condition that often causes a daily cough with phlegm and repeated chest infections. Dr. David Kupferberg, a pulmonary and critical care physician with more than 25 years of experience, sees patients with bronchiectasis in Jerusalem and Efrat, looks for the cause and plans care with them that aims to reduce flare-ups.
Dr. Kupferberg sees patients aged 16 and over.
Dr. David KupferbergPulmonary & Critical Care Physician
What is bronchiectasis?
The airways, or bronchi, carry air in and out of the lungs and normally keep themselves clear of mucus. In bronchiectasis, some airways have become permanently widened and scarred, so mucus collects in them instead of clearing.
Germs can grow in the trapped mucus and cause chest infections, and each infection can inflame the airways further. Treatment aims to break this cycle.
Bronchiectasis is a different condition from COPD, although some people have both. A chest X-ray may look normal, so the diagnosis is made on a CT scan of the chest.
What are the symptoms of bronchiectasis?
Symptoms vary from person to person. Many people have spells, called flare-ups or exacerbations, when their symptoms get worse, often with a chest infection. Common symptoms include:
- A daily cough, often bringing up phlegm (mucus)
- Chest infections that keep coming back, sometimes needing antibiotics several times a year
- Breathlessness
- Tiredness, especially during a flare-up
When should I see a lung specialist?
Specialist care for bronchiectasis aims to find the cause, clear the airways and reduce flare-ups. See a lung specialist if:
- A CT scan has shown bronchiectasis
- You have a daily cough with phlegm
- You keep getting chest infections
- You need antibiotics several times a year
How does Dr. Kupferberg evaluate bronchiectasis?
Dr. Kupferberg looks for a cause and works out a practical plan with you. The evaluation usually includes:
- A review of your CT scan, your history of chest infections and any sputum (phlegm) test results.
- A search for an underlying cause, with blood tests or other investigations coordinated as needed.
- Spirometry to measure your lung function. Spirometry is charged in addition to the consultation.
- A plan that covers daily airway clearance, when to send a sputum sample, what to do in a flare-up, and vaccines.
- Regular follow-up, in person or by video.
Frequently asked questions
What is bronchiectasis, and what causes it?
Bronchiectasis means some airways in the lungs have become permanently widened and scarred. Mucus collects in them, so people often have a daily cough with phlegm and repeated chest infections. It’s diagnosed on a CT scan. Causes include past severe infections, immune problems, reflux and aspiration, and some inflammatory conditions, but often no cause is found.
Is bronchiectasis serious?
It’s a long-term condition, but many people live full lives with it. What matters most is preventing flare-ups, since frequent infections can gradually affect lung function. Daily airway clearance, treating infections early, vaccines and regular follow-up help keep it stable. Your specialist will tailor a plan to how often you get flare-ups.
How is bronchiectasis treated?
The mainstays are daily airway clearance (breathing techniques or devices that help you cough up mucus), exercise, prompt antibiotics for flare-ups, guided by sputum cultures, and vaccines. Some people with frequent flare-ups benefit from longer-term treatment to reduce infections. Treating an underlying cause, if one is found, is also important.
Is bronchiectasis contagious?
No. Bronchiectasis itself isn’t contagious. The chest infections people with bronchiectasis get are caused by germs, and some of those can spread like any respiratory infection, so the usual hygiene measures, such as hand washing and staying home when you have a fever, and vaccines still make sense.
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Book a bronchiectasis consultation
See Dr. Kupferberg in Jerusalem or Efrat to review your CT scan, look for a cause and plan care that aims to reduce flare-ups.
In an emergency, such as severe shortness of breath or chest pain, call Magen David Adom at 101 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Related pages
Pneumonia & Chest Infections
Follow-up after pneumonia, and evaluation of a lingering cough or of chest infections that keep coming back.
Chronic Cough
Step-by-step evaluation of a cough that won’t go away, to find the cause and treat it.
COPD
Evaluation and long-term care of COPD, with breathing tests, an oxygen check while walking and a plan for flare-ups.
Breathing Tests
Spirometry, lung volumes and walking oximetry in the clinic, with spirometry and oximetry also offered at home visits, plus clear instructions on how to prepare.