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    Bronchiectasis

    Bronchiectasis is a long-term condition where airways become widened and prone to infection. Modern specialist care focuses on airway clearance, infection prevention and personalised monitoring.

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    Bronchiectasis illustration

    What is bronchiectasis?

    Bronchiectasis is a condition in which the airways (bronchi) become abnormally widened, making it harder to clear mucus. This can lead to recurrent chest infections, persistent cough with phlegm and progressive breathlessness. Specialist care identifies underlying causes and reduces flare-ups.

    Common symptoms

    • Daily cough, often producing phlegm
    • Recurrent chest infections
    • Breathlessness on exertion
    • Fatigue
    • Occasional blood-stained phlegm
    • Wheeze or chest tightness

    When to seek specialist review

    • Persistent productive cough lasting weeks or longer
    • Two or more chest infections in 12 months
    • Previous CT scan showing bronchiectasis
    • Coughing blood or sudden change in symptoms
    • Need for airway clearance education

    How RespCAIR assesses this condition

    • Specialist respiratory consultation
    • High-resolution CT imaging review
    • Sputum testing for bacterial and atypical infections
    • Lung function testing
    • Assessment for underlying causes including immune deficiency
    • Personalised airway clearance and exacerbation plan

    Treatment and management overview

    Care combines airway clearance techniques, prompt treatment of chest infections, vaccination, pulmonary rehabilitation and management of underlying causes. Some patients benefit from long-term low-dose antibiotic therapy under specialist supervision.

    Practical self-management

    • Perform airway clearance exercises daily as taught
    • Stay well hydrated
    • Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations
    • Recognise early infection signs and seek prompt review
    • Participate in pulmonary rehabilitation when offered
    • Stop smoking and avoid vaping

    The RespCAIR difference

    RespCAIR combines specialist respiratory and sleep medicine expertise, modern diagnostics, virtual care and patient education to provide timely, personalised respiratory care across Noosa, the Sunshine Coast and Queensland.

    Comprehensive patient guide

    Two-page A4 patient guide — free to read, no login needed.

    Patient Education Leaflet

    Bronchiectasis: Symptoms, Infection and Airway Clearance

    Bronchiectasis is a condition in which the airways (bronchi) become abnormally widened, making it harder to clear mucus. This can lead to recurrent chest infections, persistent cough with phlegm and progressive breathlessness. Specialist care identifies underlying causes and reduces flare-ups.

    Common symptoms

    • Daily cough, often producing phlegm
    • Recurrent chest infections
    • Breathlessness on exertion
    • Fatigue
    • Occasional blood-stained phlegm
    • Wheeze or chest tightness

    When to seek specialist review

    • Persistent productive cough lasting weeks or longer
    • Two or more chest infections in 12 months
    • Previous CT scan showing bronchiectasis
    • Coughing blood or sudden change in symptoms
    • Need for airway clearance education
    RespCAIR · Sleep & Pulmonary InstitutePage 1 of 2

    Colour illustrated leaflet

    Two-page A4 patient guide — tap a page to enlarge. No login needed.

    Download colour leaflet (PDF)

    Request this guide from the practice

    Online requests are not yet available. Please call or email our team. GPs and specialists can refer via Medical Objects (MO: 2864666A).

    Call 0423 330 786practice@respcair.com

    When to seek urgent care

    Call 000 or attend the nearest emergency department if you experience severe breathlessness, chest pain, blue lips, confusion, collapse, coughing blood, or a severe asthma attack not responding to reliever medication.

    This information is general education only and does not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always follow the advice of your GP, respiratory physician or sleep physician.

    For referrers

    Refer via Medical Objects (MO: 2864666A) or contact the RespCAIR practice team. Sleep study, lung function and pulmonary rehabilitation referrals can be sent through the same pathway.

    Email practice@respcair.comCall 0423 330 786
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