Which specialist treats bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis is a long-term condition in which widened airways can collect mucus and become prone to repeated infections. A respiratory physician reviews cough, phlegm, breathlessness, previous infections, and any coughing up blood. Assessment may include a chest X-ray, spirometry, sputum testing, or other imaging. A respiratory physiotherapist can teach airway-clearance techniques, while the wider team may help with inhalers, antibiotics, exercise, and vaccination planning.

Ask your GP for assessment when a cough with phlegm persists, infections keep returning, or breathlessness limits activity. Note the colour and amount of sputum, fever, wheezing, and changes from your usual pattern. Bring inhalers and medication details to appointments. Follow the airway-clearance method taught to you, drink fluids as advised, and use prescribed treatment according to its instructions.

Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, confusion, collapse, or a large or continuing amount of blood when coughing. Contact a clinician promptly for fever, chest pain, rapidly increasing phlegm, or breathlessness that is clearly worse than usual.

Ask whether you need respiratory referral, a chest X-ray or spirometry, and which airway-clearance technique suits you. Clarify your plan for flare-ups, sputum changes, antibiotics, and urgent symptoms.