Many cases of Bronchiectasis begin with pneumonia due to viruses such as influenza and measles or bacteria such as whooping cough or tuberculosis. Some people whose ability to resist infection is reduced or whose immune system is not working properly, are also prone to this condition. Blockage of an airway with any inhaled tiny object such as a peanut will lead to Bronchiectasis if left untreated. Most of the time patients feel well. The mucus is often foul smelling causing bad breath and occasionally blood may be coughed up as well.
Head colds develop easily into pneumonia and many cases have nose and sinus problems.
During times of chest infection, the amount of mucus increases and moist crackling noises may be heard in the chest. A chest x-ray may not always show changes suggestive of Bronchiectasis. Detailed x-rays called CT scans are sometimes needed to make the diagnosis and to show which part of the lung is involved. Testing specimens of sputum may be helpful in identifying which germs are causing infection and allow for a sensible choice of antibiotic. Other tests are used to detect cystic fibrosis and deficiencies in immunity and the ability to resist infections.