K.N.O.W. Home Health - BRONCHIECTASIS

BRONCHIECTASIS

🫁 Patient Education: Bronchiectasis (Sixth Grade Level)

What is Bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis (pronounced bronk-ee-EK-tuh-sis) is a lung disease that causes damage to the airways in your lungs. The airways, or "tubes," that carry air in and out of your lungs become wider, weaker, and filled with mucus. This makes it harder to breathe and easier to get infections.

What Causes Bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis can be caused by:

Repeated lung infections, like pneumonia
Cystic fibrosis (a genetic disease)
Not being able to clear mucus from your lungs
Breathing in food or small objects
Smoking or breathing harmful chemicals
Immune system problems

Sometimes doctors don’t know the exact cause.

Common Treatments

There is no cure, but there are ways to manage it:

Medications like antibiotics to treat infections
Inhalers to help open your airways
Mucus-clearing techniques like chest therapy or special breathing devices
Oxygen therapy, if your oxygen level is low
Vaccines to prevent illness
Surgery in very rare and severe cases

Diet and Nutrition

Drink plenty of fluids to help thin mucus so it’s easier to cough up.
Eat healthy foods to help your immune system.
If you’re losing weight, a doctor may recommend high-calorie foods.

Special Precautions and Considerations

Stay away from people who are sick to avoid lung infections.
Get your flu and pneumonia vaccines.
Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
Use a humidifier if the air is dry.
Do breathing exercises or use a flutter valve device if recommended.

Risks of Having Bronchiectasis

You can get frequent lung infections.
You may have trouble breathing.
It can lead to lung damage over time.
If not treated properly, it can cause respiratory failure or even heart strain.

Prevention

Treat lung infections early.
Avoid smoking or harmful fumes.
Get vaccinated regularly.
Follow your doctor’s plan to control mucus buildup.
See a doctor right away if you notice symptoms getting worse.

When to Call Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call your home health nurse or doctor if:

You cough up more mucus than usual
Your mucus changes color (yellow, green, or bloody)
You feel more tired or short of breath
You have a low-grade fever
You’re losing weight or have no appetite

When to Go to the Emergency Room (ER)

Go to the ER if:

You are having trouble breathing
Your lips or fingers are turning blue
You have chest pain
You have a high fever and feel very sick
You are confused or extremely weak

PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT

True or False: Bronchiectasis is a lung problem where the airways get damaged and filled with mucus.
True or False: Bronchiectasis can be caused by past lung infections like pneumonia.
True or False: Smoking helps your lungs stay healthy if you have bronchiectasis.
True or False: People with bronchiectasis should drink lots of fluids to thin their mucus.
True or False: It’s okay to skip your inhaler if you feel fine.
True or False: Antibiotics are sometimes used to treat infections in bronchiectasis.
True or False: A flutter valve is a type of breathing device that may help remove mucus.
True or False: Bronchiectasis can lead to more serious lung damage if not treated.
True or False: A high fever and chest pain could mean you need to go to the emergency room.
True or False: Healthy foods and enough calories can help support the body in bronchiectasis.
True or False: You can catch bronchiectasis from another person.
True or False: It is important to get flu and pneumonia shots when you have bronchiectasis.
True or False: You should always ignore changes in your mucus.
True or False: Using a humidifier may help you breathe better.
True or False: You should go to the ER if your lips or fingers turn blue.
True or False: Chest therapy is sometimes used to help clear mucus in bronchiectasis.
True or False: People with bronchiectasis should avoid people who are sick.
True or False: Losing weight or having no appetite can be a sign to call the doctor.m
True or False: Bronchiectasis always goes away on its own with rest.
True or False: Following your care plan helps prevent serious problems.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Since your hospital discharge, have you noticed any changes in your cough, sputum (mucus) production, or breathing, and how does this affect your daily activities?

Are you following your prescribed medications or treatments, such as inhalers, antibiotics, or airway clearance therapies, and how well are they helping?

Have you experienced any new or worsening symptoms, such as fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain, that might indicate an infection or flare-up?

Do you understand and feel confident in performing airway clearance techniques, exercises, or other home therapies recommended to manage your bronchiectasis?