The causes of chronic cough are very varied and are related to different systems.

In this article we explain what are the bronquiectasias.

Why do bronchiectasis trigger coughs?

An bronchiectasis It is an irreversible widening or dilation of parts of the airways (bronchi) as a result of an injury to their walls. Its main cause is severe or recurrent respiratory infections.

These infections can damage or chronically inflame areas of the bronchial wall, causing it to lose elasticity, resulting in balloon-like dilations. The ciliated cells in this area of the bronchus are damaged or destroyed, so mucus cannot be moved properly. Furthermore, the inflammation increases mucus production, which eventually accumulates in these areas, serving as a breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria further damage the wall, leading to a vicious cycle of infection and damage.

The cough in bronchiectasis is productive, accompanied by mucus, and is caused by a combination of factors related to this bronchial damage and mucus accumulation.

• Ciliated cells, which are one of the natural cleansing mechanisms of our airways, stop functioning properly due to the widening and irreversible damage that occurs in bronchiectasis.
• Mucus builds up in these damaged areas and the body tries to clear it by coughing.
• The inflammation does not go away due to frequent infections and constant irritation, which stimulates further mucus production, perpetuating the cough.

Bronchiectasis is one of the possible causes of cough. If it persists for more than 8 weeks, we are dealing with a case of chronic cough.

Author: Eva Maroto

References:

1. https://www.msdmanuals.com/es/hogar/trastornos-del-pulm%C3%B3n-y-las-v%C3%ADas-respiratorias/bronquiectasia-y-atelectasia/bronquiectasia?query=bronquiectasias