What should you know about infective bronchiectasis?

[Bronchiectasis](/conditions/bronchiectasis/) permanently widens and scars parts of the airways, allowing mucus to collect. An infective flare may bring a change in the amount, thickness or colour of mucus, more frequent [Cough](/symptoms/cough/), breathlessness, chest discomfort, tiredness or fever. [Coughing Up Phlegm](/symptoms/coughing-up-phlegm/) that is new or clearly different from your usual pattern is worth reporting.

A clinician may listen to your chest, check oxygen and request a mucus sample. A [Chest X-Ray](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/chest-x-ray/) or [Spirometry](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/spirometry/) may be useful depending on your history, baseline health and current symptoms.

Contact your usual respiratory team or clinician promptly, especially if your sputum has changed or breathlessness is increasing. Take prescribed treatment exactly as directed, continue your personalised airway-clearance routine if you can do so safely, and drink enough to avoid thick secretions. Do not use leftover antibiotics or share medication; the choice may depend on previous samples and your current assessment.

Keep a record of sputum changes, temperature, breathlessness and exercise tolerance. Rest when needed, avoid smoke and seek advice if your usual plan is not controlling the flare.

Seek urgent care for severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, blue lips, coughing up more than a small streak of blood, or rapid deterioration. Same-day medical advice is appropriate for fever with worsening respiratory symptoms, a major change in phlegm, or reduced ability to carry out usual activities.

Ask whether a sputum sample is needed, which symptoms indicate an infective flare, how to adjust airway clearance, and when to seek emergency help.