Treatment:

Treatment is aimed at controlling infections and bronchial secretions, relieving airway obstruction, and preventing complications.

Regular, daily drainage to remove bronchial secretions is a routine part of treatment. A respiratory therapist can show the patient coughing exercises that will help.

Antibiotics, bronchodilators, and expectorants are often prescribed for infections.

Surgery to resect the lung may be needed if medicine does not work or if the patient has massive bleeding.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outlook depends on the specific cause of the disease. With treatment, most people can lead normal lives without major disability.

Complications:

• Cor pulmonale
• Coughing up blood
• Low oxygen levels (in severe cases)
• Recurrent pneumonia

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if:

• Chest pain or shortness of breath gets worse
• There is a change in color or amount of the phlegm you cough up, or if it is bloody
• Other symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment