In this video from St. Luke’s Hospital, Dr. Andrew LaBelle discusses how the chronic lung disease bronchiectasis affects patients.

MORE: Nine common symptoms of bronchiectasis. 

Dr. LaBelle explains that bronchiectasis is a condition that dilates the airways in the lungs, causing abnormal cells. When the airways in the lungs become widened, they produce excess mucus. This overproduction of mucus makes patients susceptible to dangerous lung infections like pneumonia.

Most cases of bronchiectasis are caused by genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, but there are other reasons why patients develop the disease including COPD, childhood diseases such as whooping cough, bacterial infections, and autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease.

MORE: A study shows several associations between bronchiectasis and COPD.

Bronchiectasis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.