bronchiectasis
Pronunciation: brong-kee-EK-tah-sis
Permanent, abnormal dilation and distortion of the bronchi resulting from chronic infection, inflammation, or obstruction, leading to impaired mucus clearance.
Full Definition
Bronchiectasis is a structural lung disease characterized by irreversible widening, scarring, and destruction of the bronchial walls, typically caused by recurrent or severe respiratory infections, immune deficiency, or underlying conditions such as primary ciliary dyskinesia. In pediatric patients it manifests as chronic productive cough, recurrent pulmonary infections, and progressive airflow limitation. Editors must be careful with the spelling—'bronchiectasis,' not 'broncheiectasis' or 'bronchectasis'—and should note that the adjective form is 'bronchiectatic.' It is frequently confused with 'bronchitis' in non-specialist manuscripts and must not be used interchangeably. High-resolution CT (HRCT) is the diagnostic gold standard referenced in imaging reports.
Usage
Usage note: Correct spelling is 'bronchiectasis.' The adjective form is 'bronchiectatic.' Do not abbreviate or conflate with acute bronchitis.
In Context
- "High-resolution CT confirmed cylindrical bronchiectasis in the right lower lobe, consistent with post-infectious changes." — Radiology report editing
- "The author had written 'bronchectasis' throughout the draft; the editor corrected every instance to 'bronchiectasis.'" — Journal manuscript copy-editing