Osmosis video - Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a chronic inflammation of the bronchi and the bronchioles, which damages the mucociliary escalator and the walls of the airways. This causes mucus to accumulate and get stuck in the airways, and form mucus plugs that can lead to serious infections, difficulty breathing, and a variety of other health problems. Common causes of bronchiectasis include long-term exposure to cigarette smoke, respiratory infections such as pneumonia, and cystic fibrosis.