Read up on Bronchiectasis treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Bronchiectasis

Key points about treatments

There's no cure for bronchiectasis. But you can take medication to control your symptoms, keep your lungs from getting worse and help you live a normal life. You can also do exercises that strengthen your chest muscles and help you breathe more easily.

We haven't looked at treatments for bronchiectasis caused by a condition called

cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a disease people are born with that gives them problems with their lungs and bowels. The main results are breathing and digestive problems.

cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is treated in a different way.

Exercises to strengthen your chest muscles can help you to breathe more freely and make it easier for you to live a normal life.
Medicines to relax your airways and reduce the

inflammation
If your skin or some other part of your body becomes red, swollen, hot or sore, we say it is inflamed. It means that your body is trying to protect you from germs, from something in your body tissues that can hurt you (like a thorn or sliver), or from things that cause allergies (allergens). Inflammation is part of the way the body heals an infection or injury.

inflammation in your lungs may help you breathe more easily but there's not much research to show this.
You'll need to take antibiotic medicines to get rid of any chest infection. (See Treating chest infections.)

This information was last updated on Jan 08, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

The information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org should not be viewed as a substitute for a consultation with a medical or health professional. The information is meant to enhance communication with your doctor, not replace it. Consumers Union can not be liable for any loss, injury, or other damages related to your use of this information.

Your use of this information is subject to our User Agreement available at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.