The inflamed areas show signs of increased growth of blood vessels. The area of the lung which should be served by a diseased bronchial tube is also prone to inflammation and infection. Prior to the widespread use of immunizations, bronchiectasis was often the result of a serious infection with either measles or whooping cough . A number of pre-existing conditions may cause an individual to be more susceptible than normal to infection, with increased risk of bronchiectasis developing. These conditions include disorders of cilia, and immune disorders.
Cilia are the tiny hairs which usually line the bronchial tubes.
When these cilia are abnormal or absent at birth, various bacterial or viral invaders may remain in the respiratory tract, multiply, and cause serious infections. When these immunoglobulins are not produced in large enough quantity, bacterial and viral invaders are not effectively killed off, and infection occurs. This can be due to tumor growth within the bronchial tube, or due to a child accidentally inhaling a small object which then blocks off the bronchial tube. In some cases, there may be wheezing and shortness of breath . The constant, low-level of infection may flare, resulting in increased production of sputum, worsening of the cough, and fever .