Bronchiectasis
About Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis, whether diffused or localized, it is a chronic lung disorder, usually caused by repeated respiratory infections. It is characterized by a permanent and irreversible enlargement (dilatation) of the bronchial tubes and/or bronchioles.
The transformation of the bronchial tubes and poor performance of the cilia (tiny hairs that line the inner wall of the bronchial tubes) causes the production of large amounts of mucus, thus respiratory infections to increase, thereby triggering a vicious circle that further destroys the airways.
In most cases, bronchiectasis is restricted to a specific area of the lungs, few symptoms will be present and is usually non-progressive. For the most part, only those who suffer from the widespread and more generalized form of bronchiectasis will develop symptoms. In the pure and severe forms, there is often a long history of repeated respiratory infections with an abundant quantity of sputum production becoming chronic, sometimes purulent and sometimes blood-streaked.
Currently, there is a regression of the disease most likely due to new treatments of active antibiotics and early diagnosis and more accurate.
CAUSES OF BRONCHIECTASIS
Bronchiectasis often develops during early childhood, as a result of repeated and poorly treated respiratory infections. However, it can develop at any age.
Infectious causes
- Acute recurring bronchitis
- Tuberculosis
- Pertussis
- Lung abscess
- Various pulmonary diseases
Non-infectious causes
- Congenital malformation
- Mucoviscidosis (hereditary disease producing extremely thick mucus)
- Immunological deficiency such as cystic fibrosis
- Bronchial obstruction due to foreign matter or a benign tumor
SYMPTOMS OF BRONCHIECTASIS
Bronchiectasis often develops during early childhood, as a result of repeated and poorly treated respiratory infections. However, it can develop at any age. The main symptom is a chronic cough producing a large quantity of clear or coloured secretions (yellow or green) depending on infectious agents.
As the bronchiectasis progresses or becomes more severe, other symptoms may also appear, such as:
- Purulent secretions and foul odours
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Hemoptysis (blood in the sputum)
- Sinusitis
- Lung abscess
- Digital hippocratism (clubbing of the fingers caused by a chronic lack of oxygen)
If the bronchial disorder is localized, the course of illness is usually benign, while respiratory infections are less frequent and heal well.
If the bronchiectasis is diffused, i.e. spread to a large portion of the lung, bronchial infections (pneumonia or pulmonary abscess) are more frequent and hard to treat. The coughing up of blood from the respiratory tract (hemoptysis) is not uncommon and can speed up the course of illness .Occasionally, in very advanced cases of bronchiectasis, respiratory distress may necessitate the use of oxygen.
HOW THE SALT CAVE CAN HELP
If you are suffering from bronchiectasis, you should consider Salt Therapy. Not only will it bring much-needed relief, but it also prevents the frequency of symptoms occurring.
Salt Therapy is a clinically proven natural, safe and beneficial method of treatment for every age group. By visiting one of our Salt Rooms and breathing in the saline aerosol generated by our machine it can significantly help to:
- Reduce the need for antibiotics
- Make your breathing easier after just a few sessions
- Improve lung function
- Reduce the number of hospital admissions
- Alleviate sneezing, coughing, and shortness of breath
- Clear mucus and sticky phlegm from the lungs
- Increase the resistance to respiratory tract diseases
- Strengthen your immune system
HOW THE SALT CAVE CAN HELP
- Depending on age and severity, 20-30 sessions are recommended for long term results.
- For irreversible conditions, two to three-month follow-up sessions are recommended to maintain the clear lung, ie clear the retained mucus from the humps.
- The sessions should be frequent: about two or three a week is suggested.
In most patients, after a course of Salt Therapy, airways become normal and symptoms disappear. The treatment’s efficacy is estimated at 75-98%. Most clients do 1-2 Salt Therapy courses a year. In-between they might come back for some top-up sessions, if they start to feel poorly, e.g. they are coming down with a cold.
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