TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Bronchiectasis A1 - Barker, Alan F. A1 - Brody, Steven L. A2 - Grippi, Michael A. A2 - Elias, Jack A. A2 - Fishman, Jay A. A2 - Kotloff, Robert M. A2 - Pack, Allan I. A2 - Senior, Robert M. A2 - Siegel, Mark D. PY - 2015 T2 - Fishman's Pulmonary Diseases and Disorders, 5e AB - Bronchiectasis (broncos, airways; ectasia, dilatation) is a morphologic term used to describe abnormal, irreversibly dilated and thick-walled bronchi. This is an anatomic definition that evolved from Laennec’s original description in 1819 of ectatic bronchi in pathologic specimens. Bronchiectasis represents the end stage of a variety of pathologic processes that cause destruction of the bronchial wall and its surrounding supporting tissues. Etiologies include prior lung infection, systemic inflammatory disorders, and genetic disorders of host defense, however, bronchiectasis is considered to be idiopathic in up to half of the affected individuals. The clinical manifestations include chronic cough and copious mucopurulent expectoration.1 Bronchiectasis shares many features with chronic bronchitis, including inflamed and easily collapsible airways, airflow obstruction on spirometry, and frequent exacerbations. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/11/13 UR - accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1122360337 ER -