22nd February 2024

Presentation

Symptoms

Exertional shortness of breath is commonly the earliest clinical manifestation. Other features include chest pain, fatigue, persistent cough, recurrent infections and loss of appetite. Psychological manifestations include depression, anxiety, loss of confidence and negative lifestyle impact. Patients with bronchiectasis are associated with increased hospitalisation episodes over the disease span, leading to an overall more sedentary lifestyle with reduced physical activity levels. 

Signs

Physical examination features include coarse inspiratory basal crackles, wheeze, finger clubbing, low body mass index and, in severe cases, features of right heart failure with hepatic congestion and peripheral oedema.

References

Alcaraz-Serrano V, Arbillaga-Etxarri A, Oscanoa P, Fernández-Barat L, Bueno L, Amaro R, Gimeno-Santos E, Torres A. Exacerbations and Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour in Patients with Bronchiectasis after 1 Year. J Clin Med. 2021 Mar 12;10(6):1190.