Bronchiectasis treatment
- how is bronchiectasis diagnosed
- how is lung disease diagnosed
- how is bronchiectasis treated
- how is interstitial lung disease diagnosed
Bronchiectasis complications
Bronchiectasis causes!
Diagnosis - Bronchiectasis
You should see a GP for advice if you develop a persistent cough so they can look for a possible cause.
The GP will ask you about your symptoms, such as how often you cough, whether you bring up any phlegm (sputum), and whether you smoke.
They may also listen to your lungs with a stethoscope as you breathe in and out.
The lungs of people with bronchiectasis often make a distinctive crackling noise as a person breathes in and out.
You'll also probably have a chest X-ray to rule out other, more serious, causes of your symptoms, such as lung cancer.
If the GP thinks you may have a lung infection, they may take a sample of your phlegm so it can be checked for bacteria.
Referral to a specialist
If the GP suspects you could have bronchiectasis, you'll be referred to a doctor who specialises in treating lung conditions (a respiratory consultant) for further testing.
Further testing
HRCT scan
Currently, the most effective test available to diagnose bronchiectasis is called a high-resolution CT (HRCT) scan.
A HRCT scan involves taking se
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