What should you know about bronchiectasis clinical signs?

A daily cough that brings up mucus is a common presentation of bronchiectasis. Other clues include repeated infections, wheezing, tiredness, breathlessness during activity, and a change in the colour, thickness, or amount of sputum. Some people have chest discomfort or notice reduced exercise tolerance. On examination, a clinician may listen for crackling or wheezing and check oxygenation and breathing effort. These signs can overlap with asthma, chronic lung disease, infection, or other conditions, so symptoms alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.

Write down how long the cough has lasted, whether it wakes you, and how often you produce phlegm. Mention previous pneumonia or other chest infections, childhood illnesses, allergies, smoking or vaping, and any family history of lung disease. Bring a list of medicines and note what changes during a flare-up. A clinician may arrange a chest X-ray to look at the lungs and spirometry to assess airflow. Additional testing may be considered when the history or examination points to a specific cause.

Get urgent help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, or severe chest pain. Contact a clinician promptly if your usual cough suddenly worsens, phlegm increases or changes markedly, you develop fever, or you cough up blood. These changes can accompany an airway infection or another condition requiring treatment. If you cannot speak comfortably because of breathlessness, seek emergency help rather than waiting for a clinic appointment.

Which of my symptoms suggest an airway problem? What would a chest X-ray and spirometry show? Should I learn an airway-clearance technique? How will we recognise and manage a flare-up?