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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Severe Bronchiectasis Lead To Pulmonary Fibrosis?

I am 78 and have had most of my life Bronchiectasis and had my lower left lung removed 40 years ago. Well in the last 3 years Bronchiectasis has been in my life. 2 years ago they found out I had Pseudomonas in my lungs and I was on Antibiotilc for at lease 9 months. At one time I was on two. I know find out that I have e-coli in my lungs. Over the years I have built up a resistent to more than 10 antibiotics. My doctor gave me medication twice for 7 days with no luck. The drug is Ertapenem. Three days after the dose, I am back to square one. I am presently taking Nebusal 7% sodium choride Solution. Any suggestions - how close is Bronch. to Idropathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Mon, 3 Nov 2014
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on HCM.
Bronchiectasis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) both are different entity at all.
Bronchiectasis affect larger airways. So it is an airway disease , no effect on interstitium. Airways become dilated and tortuous so that mucus plugs tend to stuck in these dilated airways and gives rise to chronic infection as you are having.
IPF is affecting lung interstium. Interstium becomes thick and fibrosed and the function of gas exchage is hampered, so desaturation snd breathlessness on exertion are the main symptoms.
So both are different entity.
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Can Severe Bronchiectasis Lead To Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Thanks for your question on HCM. Bronchiectasis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) both are different entity at all. Bronchiectasis affect larger airways. So it is an airway disease , no effect on interstitium. Airways become dilated and tortuous so that mucus plugs tend to stuck in these dilated airways and gives rise to chronic infection as you are having. IPF is affecting lung interstium. Interstium becomes thick and fibrosed and the function of gas exchage is hampered, so desaturation snd breathlessness on exertion are the main symptoms. So both are different entity.