Bronchiectasis is sometimes misdiagnosed as Chronic Cough

It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Chronic Cough, when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Bronchiectasis.

While there is no cure for bronchiectasis, treatment is aimed at slowing the progression of the disease and manage the condition. The treatment options help reducing the frequency of infections. Chest physiotherapy is helpful as well as undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation. Bronchodilators help opening up the airways and helping with breathing. Medications to thin the mucous and help getting it out are also helpful. CT scans are mostly used to diagnose bronchiectasis. Lung function tests can help assess the breathing and the capacity of the lungs.

Always consult your doctor or health professional, and do not self diagnose.

Symptoms can include:

Wheezing in chest, shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up thick mucus daily, chronic daily cough, coughing up blood, abnormal breathing sounds, weight loss, fatigue, clubbing, frequent respiratory infections

Symptoms are a guideline only and may apply to either the diagnosis or the reported misdiagnosis, or both. Consult your specialist for further information.

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