Bronchiectasis affects as many as half a million adults in the United States, yet many people have never heard of it. Even among those living with and treating the condition, there are often misunderstandings about what it is—and what it isn’t. Dispelling these myths and understanding the facts about bronchiectasis is a crucial step toward improving diagnosis, treatment and daily management of this chronic lung disease.
Bronchiectasis causes your airways, called bronchi, to become damaged and widened over time. When you have bronchiectasis, the tiny, hair-like structures in your airways that help move mucus and get rid of dust and bacteria stop working correctly. This leads to excess mucus buildup where germs can grow. Furthermore, this can cause a vicious cycle of inflammation, infections and further lung damage. Although there is no cure, the right treatment plan can help you manage the disease.
Here are five important facts about bronchiectasis that can help you better understand and manage this chronic lung condition with insights from three people living with the disease.
Fact #1: Bronchiectasis is NOT COPD.
Bronchiectasis and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are both lung diseases, but they are NOT the same. “A lot of people think that bronchiectasis is the same as COPD, but it is different,” said Jean R., who has lived with the disease for many years. “It does not fall under that same umbrella. It is important to know the difference, because there are different ways of managing each disease.” While both conditions can cause shortness of breath, chronic coughing and mucus buildup, bronchiectasis involves permanent widening and damage to the airways, often caused by infection or inflammation. COPD differs because it involves damage to the air sacs of your lungs or if the airways in your lungs are swollen, making breathing hard. Often, people living with bronchiectasis may have another underlying lung disease such as COPD, but not always.
Fact #2: A bronchiectasis diagnosis is important to help break the ‘vicious cycle.’
An important part of managing your disease is avoiding the cycle that can occur with poorly managed bronchiectasis. People who have bronchiectasis commonly get in a pattern of getting an infection which then leads to airway inflammation, which in turn leads to more damage to your lungs. Breaking this sequence is an important part of disease management. “Bronchiectasis is underdiagnosed and not talked about as much as it needs to be,” said John L. who lives with both bronchiectasis and COPD. “Have a conversation with your provider…Find out IF you have bronchiectasis. For me, the information was almost an afterthought.” When you have the correct diagnosis, you can get on the right path for managing and treating the condition and help prevent further lung damage.
Fact #3: Bronchiectasis has no cure but is treatable.
There is currently no cure for bronchiectasis, but it can be managed with the right treatment plan. Treatment goals focus on addressing underlying conditions, using airway clearance techniques, handling infections and preventing flare-ups. “You’ll want to become familiar with the best management practices,” said John L. “Follow the recommendations of your pulmonologist. Learn what type of bronchiectasis you have and what works for your situation.” Working with your provider on a customized treatment plan and understanding how lifestyle changes can impact your lung health are important steps in maintaining a good quality of life. Nellie R. shares that “by managing my bronchiectasis, I am able to stay active, do the things I enjoy doing in my daily life and maintain good lung function!”
Fact #4: Seeing a specialist is crucial.
Not all providers are experienced in managing bronchiectasis, so finding a knowledgeable specialist can make a big difference. A lung specialist, or pulmonologist, that is familiar with this condition will know about the latest treatment options and will work to tailor a treatment plan that best meets your needs. A pulmonologist can also ensure that your treatment plan is comprehensive and manages other respiratory illnesses or comorbidities you may have. “I feel like bronchiectasis is a disease that a lot of pulmonologists are not as familiar with,” said Nellie R. “It is helpful if you can find a pulmonologist that is more knowledgeable about the disease and the treatment options—and who is willing to include you in the decision-making process.”
Fact #5: Management doesn’t stop at diagnosis.
Ongoing education, communication and self-care are essential for living well with bronchiectasis. It’s important to work closely with your care team, understand your medications and stay consistent with your treatment routines. Your specialist can help you understand the importance of mucus thinning and airway clearance and will also help to determine when and if you need treatment with antibiotics or any other treatment interventions. “Once you're diagnosed, find out from your doctor what the medication does so you understand why it is important to take—and to stay on it,” Nellie R. continued.
Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease that can be managed when a personalized treatment plan is developed for you with your healthcare provider. Understanding how this condition affects your lungs and how best to manage it will help you slow disease progression and have a better quality of life.
Educational content created with support from Boehringer Ingelheim.
Blog last updated: July 1, 2025
