Inflammation and infections cause damage to the airways with alteration in the lining layer of the airways. The airways become distorted and enlarged.
Enlargement can be uniform or irregular.
Mucus can collect in the airways and is difficult to clear because of the damage to the normal ways the airways clear the mucus. This can lead to episodes of infection. Early diagnosis and treatment of bronchiectasis and the infections that occur are very important. Inadvertent inhalation of oral or stomach material into your lungs, causing chronic airway inflammation. Impaired ability to swallow may also cause saliva or food to enter the lungs.