Visualizing Bronchiectasis

This information has been reviewed and approved by Steven E. Lommatzsch, MD (January 2025).

Summary

How does bronchiectasis (pronounced bron-kee-ek'-tas-is) affect the airways in your lungs?

Your airways are tube-like structures (bronchial tubes) that branch from your windpipe (trachea) into the right and left lungs. 

NORMAL LUNGS AND AIRWAYS 

• Air flows in and out of your airways. 
• As the airways extend, like branches on a tree, they get smaller. 
• The airways are lined with cells that produce mucus. 
• Cilia are microscopic hair-like structures along the surface of the airways that help clear mucus and bacteria from your lungs.

LUNGS AND AIRWAYS WITH BRONCHIECTASIS

• Your airways are widened (dilated). 
• The cells lining your airways become swollen and inflamed. 
• In the process, your airways and their cilia are damaged. 
• Due to the damage, your airways are less able to clear mucus and bacteria from your lungs. This can lead to symptoms such as coughing, sputum production, repeated colds, fatigue, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Lung infections can make the bronchiectasis worse. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of bronchiectasis are very important. 

If you have bronchiectasis or bronchiectasis symptoms, make an appointment with a pulmonologist (lung specialist) so you can take steps to improve your condition. 

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