Editing Bronchiectasis (section)

== Pathophysiology ==

* Structural changes - bronchial dilation, bronchial wall thickening, mucus plugging, small airways disease, emphysema
** Most have airflow obstruction, but other patterns possible
* Chronically infected with Haemophilus influenzae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and sometimes Moraxella catarrhalis, Staph aureus, and Enterobactericeae
** Persistent isolation of these organism is associated with increased frequency of exacerbations, worse quality of life, and increased mortality
* Chronic infection stimulates and sustains lung inflammation
** Predominately neutrophilic
** Leads to degradation of airway elastin, among other mechanisms
* Mucociliary clearance is impaired by structural bronchiectasis, airway dehydration, excess mucus volume and viscosity