Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a lung condition characterised by the inability to clear mucus from the lungs.  This can cause a chronic cough as well as lead to lung infections.  Effective management of bronchiectasis involves taking medication appropriately, physiotherapy exercises, and healthy lifestyle choices such as eating well and stopping smoking. 

Key Points:

  • Learn about bronchiectasis to help make sense of your condition
  • Form a good partnership with your doctor and other members of your healthcare team
  • Learn tips for coping with breathing problems
  • Make healthy lifestyle choices for your physical and emotional wellbeing
  • Get support from other people suffering from bronchiectasis or similar lung conditions
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    Overview

    In this section you will find some useful webpages to help you learn about bronchiectasis.

    htmlBronchiectasis at a Glance Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of NZ
      
    htmlBronchiectasis in Children Kids Health
      
    htmlWhat is Bronchiectasis? Patient UK
      

    Symptoms, Tests & Diagnosis

    In this section you will find information to help you recognise the signs of bronchiectasis.

    htmlBronchiectasis: What are the symptoms? Best Treatments
      
    pdfDoes Your Child Cough? Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of NZ 2 Pages
     Easy to Read

    What can I do? - Self help measures

    Regular exercise, good nutrition, and quitting smoking are important for managing bronchiectasis.

    htmlExercise & The Lungs British Lung Foundation
      
    htmlHealthy Eating & Your Lungs British Lung Foundation
      
    htmlSmoking & Your Lungs British Lung Foundation
      

    Treatments & Medication

    Learn about effective treatment for bronchiectasis and the appropriate use of antibiotics.

    htmlBronchiectasis: What treatments work? BMJ BestTreatments
      
    htmlTaking Antibiotics British Lung Foundation
      
    htmlCochrane Reviews Cochrane Library
      

    Clinical Resources

    Resources for improving clinical practice including clinical guidelines and educational tools.

    pdfUsing Nebulisers Safely, Jul 2008 BPAC.co.nz Best Practice2 Pages
      
    pdfClinical Guideline: Bronchiectasis - Acute Respiratory Exacerbation, Aug 2008 Starship Childrens Health4 Pages
      
    htmlInstructions for Inhaler & Spacer Use The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) - US
      

    Support

    Support groups around the country for people with lung conditions.

    htmlRespiratory Support Groups Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of NZ
      

    Want to Learn More?

    Respiratory services and links to other respiratory-related websites that might be of interest.

    htmlNZ Respiratory Services Healthpoint
      
    htmlLinks - Respiratory-Related Websites Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of NZ