What causes bronchiectasis?

Updated on

What causes bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis may be caused by cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic condition that results in long-lasting lung infections and reduced ability to breathe. CF gets worse over time.

For non-CF bronchiectasis, the cause is not always known. This is called idiopathic bronchiectasis. However, in other cases, causes include:

  • Past severe infection that has damaged the lung
  • Genetic diseases like primary ciliary dyskinesia or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
  • Immune system conditions that make it difficult to fight off infections
  • Aspirating (breathing in) things like fluids, stomach acid, or foods into the lungs
  • Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, an allergy to a particular type of fungus
  • Other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and Sjogren’s syndrome
  • Obstructed airways (airways blocked by something like a tumor or an inhaled object)

Related posts