What is bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis is another abnormality that can be found in patients with COPD. In bronchiectasis, serious and repeated infections of the lung as well as abnormal development of the lung results in permanent damage to the airways. The damaged airways become enlarged tubes or, in more severe cases, large sacs. These segments of lung can impair clearance of secretions. The damaged, mucus-filled airways often become infected, resulting in further inflammation and damage to the airways. Patients with bronchiectasis often have a vigorous cough producing large amounts of infected mucus.