Congenital bronchiectasis is a medical condition where the airways in the lungs become widened and thickened, making it difficult to breathe. The word "bronchiectasis" is pronounced as /ˌbrɒŋkiːˈɛktəsɪs/ in IPA, with stress on the second syllable. "Congenital" means present at birth, pronounced as /kənˈdʒɛnɪt(ə)l/ with stress on the first syllable. The spelling of this word can be tricky, but breaking it down phonetically can help with pronunciation. This condition can cause chronic coughing, shortness of breath, and repeated lung infections, and it often requires long-term treatment.
Congenital bronchiectasis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal and permanent dilation (widening) of the bronchi, which are the airways in the lungs. This condition is present from birth and is caused by a variety of genetic factors that lead to the compromised structure and function of the bronchial walls.
Bronchiectasis usually occurs as a result of recurrent and severe respiratory infections that progressively damage the bronchial walls. In congenital cases, the structural abnormalities present at birth cause the bronchial walls to be weak and prone to damage, making individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections and subsequent bronchiectasis development.
Common symptoms of congenital bronchiectasis include chronic cough, excessive production of mucus or phlegm, wheezing, and recurrent respiratory infections such as pneumonia. In more severe cases, affected individuals may experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, fatigue, and even respiratory failure.
Although there is no cure for congenital bronchiectasis, treatments aim to manage the symptoms and prevent further lung damage. Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat respiratory infections, while airway clearance techniques, such as chest physiotherapy and breathing exercises, help to remove excess mucus from the lungs. Bronchodilators and other medications may also be used to alleviate breathing difficulties and inflammation in the airways.
Long-term management of congenital bronchiectasis typically involves diligent monitoring of lung function and regular follow-up with healthcare professionals to prevent and promptly address any respiratory complications.
The word "congenital bronchiectasis" can be broken down into two parts to understand its etymology:
1. Congenital: The term "congenital" is derived from the Latin word "congenitus", which means "born with" or "inborn". It denotes a condition or characteristic present at or from birth. In medical terminology, it is used to describe conditions or abnormalities that are present from birth and are not acquired later in life.
2. Bronchiectasis: The term "bronchiectasis" comes from two Greek words: "bronkhia" meaning "bronchus" and "ektasis" meaning "widening" or "dilation". It is a combination of these words to describe a condition characterized by the widening or dilation of the bronchi, which are the airways in the lungs.