Bronchiectasis is a long-term condition of the lungs that can cause breathing difficulties and make the lungs more vulnerable to infection. The Pulmonology Clinic at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is comprised of expert physicians supported by a team of specialized nurses, respiratory therapists, and dietitians, all of whom have special expertise in the treatment of bronchiectasis. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging, laboratory and microbiology facilities, which are essential for the diagnosis and management of bronchiectasis.
Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition in which the airways of the lungs widen, causing a build-up of excess mucus that can make the lungs more vulnerable to infection. Bronchiectasis may also cause breathing difficulties.
Bronchiectasis can have a number of underlying causes, including:
Identifying and treating the cause of a patient’s bronchiectasis can help improve their quality of life. The Bronchiectasis Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi uses state-of-the-art technology to run tests, diagnose, and determine the cause of this condition.
In some patients, however, no underlying cause can be found. This is known as idiopathic bronchiectasis. The Bronchiectasis Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi provides diagnosis and treatment for both idiopathic and secondary bronchiectasis using physiotherapy, medications, and, in severe cases, surgery.
Diagnosis of Bronchiectasis
Diagnosis begins with an exam and assessment of the patient’s symptoms.
The pulmonologist may order the following tests. The results of these tests help them diagnose bronchiectasis, as well as evaluate the severity of the disorder:
Treatment of Bronchiectasis
Damage caused to the lungs by bronchiectasis is permanent, so treatment aims to relieve the symptoms, and stop the damage from getting worse. The main treatments include:
In rare cases where the damage is limited to a small part of one lung, and the usual treatments have failed to improve the symptoms, surgery may be an option.
Diagnosis and treatment of bronchiectasis involves a multi-disciplinary team working in an integrated, Patients First approach. Specialized caregivers include:
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