Varicose bronchiectasis (which is also called cystic or saccular bronchiectasis) is a severe lung disorder that often accompanies cystic fibrosis. This condition is characterized by widening airways, excess mucus accumulation, and the development of cysts within the bronchial tubes.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes substantial damage to the lungs and airways. This damage results from problems with how the body creates mucus, which becomes viscous and thick in people with cystic fibrosis.
Issues with mucus contribute to bronchiectasis, which results from ongoing damage to the lungs. Other forms of bronchiectasis only involve larger airways and abnormal mucus production, while varicose forms also involve the formation of cysts within the airways.
Doctors can use medication to address the effects of varicose bronchiectasis. If an infection is present, antibiotics will be prescribed to eliminate it. As for excess mucus, medications known as expectorants help release it from the lungs. Doctors can also recommend medications to reduce inflammation and ease stiffness in the airways.
In addition to the above treatments, doctors can also prescribe medications that target the specific genetic mutations associated with cystic fibrosis. People with the disease may also require other types of treatment, such as airway clearing techniques. It’s not possible to cure cystic fibrosis, but proper management can help improve lung function and avoid the effects of conditions like varicose bronchiectasis.