In daily life, coughing and sputum production may seem like minor issues that many people ignore.

When these symptoms persist for years and suddenly change, they may indicate a more serious health problem—bronchiectasis.

I have a patient who has been suffering from a mild cough and expectorating white sticky phlegm for many years. Although these symptoms did not significantly impact his daily life, he did not take them lightly.

However, one month ago, his cough suddenly worsened, and he began to produce thick yellow sputum, occasionally mixed with streaks of blood.

This change raised his concern, prompting him to undergo a chest CT scan at the hospital.

The examination results were concerning, revealing bronchiectasis in multiple lobes of both lungs.

This change makes the airways more susceptible to infection and inflammation, leading to symptoms such as coughing and sputum production.

I want to emphasize that the early symptoms of bronchiectasis may not be obvious and can even be easily overlooked.

But this does not mean we can afford to be careless about it.

As the condition progresses, patients may experience more severe symptoms such as wheezing after activity and difficulty breathing.

More seriously, bronchiectasis can also lead to life-threatening complications such as massive hemoptysis.

So, how can we prevent further physical damage caused by bronchiectasis? The key lies in timely and effective control and treatment.

For patients who have already been diagnosed, active compliance with the doctor's treatment plan is crucial.

At the same time, we would like to remind our readers that if you or your family members experience persistent symptoms such as coughing or sputum production, especially with sudden changes (such as alterations in sputum color, consistency, or quantity), it is advisable to seek prompt medical attention for professional evaluation.

Through early detection and intervention, we can better control the progression of bronchiectasis and reduce the risk of complications.