severe cases of bronchiectasis

Last reviewed 01/2018

These include:

  • production of very large volumes of green/brown sputum
  • occasional episodes of pneumonic illness with:
    • pleural pain
    • haemoptysis
  • clubbing is a common feature
  • patient usually unwell
  • may develop pyogenic ocular and skin infections
  • respiratory failure may develop
  • possible gram-negative bacteria in sputum
  • widespread crepitations on auscultation
  • chest radiography may show multiple cysts with fluid levels