Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

A condition in which there is scarring and distortion of the bronchial tubes, reducing the ability of the tubes to clear mucus. Causes include;

• obstruction of the bronchial tubes by inhaled foreign bodies (such as peanuts)
• scarring of the airways as part of healing after whooping cough or pneumonia
• inhalation of stomach contents from the gullet into the lungs
  reduced immunity to infection.

In about a quarter of cases, the cause is unknown. Treatment usually involves antibiotics for infections and, most importantly, regular chest physiotherapy. The affected children and their parents are taught how to do daily chest physiotherapy to prevent the build-up of mucous and the development of chest infections.