HomeAnswersPulmonology (Asthma Doctors)bronchiectasis

Do I need to get a lung biopsy to confirm bronchiectasis?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have been referred to a pulmonologist based on the following computed tomography (CT) scan report for chronic cough and fatigue. Mild cylindrical bronchiectasis to the lower lung fields with evidence of bronchial wall thickening and mild dilatation. Additionally, ill defined airspace opacities of the extreme right lower lobe most likely reflect infective changes. One small nodule is noted at the peripheral aspect of the left lung base. Mild interstitial thickening at the peripheral right lung base with less pronounced changes on the left. Multiple mildly enlarged glands of the middle mediastinum measure up to 11 mm and may be reactive. Slight prominence of the right hilum. Small anterior pericardial effusion of 6.44 mm. The liver appears enlarged, diffuse hypoattenuation and the liver parenchyma is consistent with fatty liver infiltration. I have also had Bell's palsy in the past. What would you say as the cause of these problems? Do I need lung biopsy?

Answered by Dr. Amol Kumar Wasudeorao Diwan

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Amol Kumar Wasudeorao Diwan is a qualified Specialist in Pulmonary Medicine, Tuberculosis, and Respiratory Diseases with extensive years of clinical experience. He has a vast network of professional contacts in the medical field, an outstanding ability to provide healthcare with an emphasis on holistic approach, treating the patients as a physical, emotional, and social being, has an excellent bedside manner, and an admirable ability to establish rapport with the patient. He also has exceptional skills in imparting health related teachings for a complete and speedy recovery of his patients and has an incomparable critical thinking and analytical skills.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Your CT scan report issuggestive of cylindrical bronchiectasis with some infective foci. Usually, the diagnosis of bronchiectasis is made on the HRCT thorax (high-resolution computed tomography) and there is no need of any lung biopsy. Bronchiectasis is due to some old infection of the bronchi, which causes recurrent episodes of coughing phlegm and breathlessness on exertion. Usually, abiopsy is not advised for diagnosis. Pericardial effusion is the one that needs detailed investigations to find out the cause. Sputum culture will let us know the exact bacterium and accordingly antibiotics can be prescribed. Inhaler medicines are advised for dyspnea. Also, some chest physiotherapy exercises will help to expel the mucus out of your chest to relieve dyspnea.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At November 3, 2016
Reviewed At July 3, 2023

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Amol Kumar Wasudeorao Diwan is a qualified Specialist in Pulmonary Medicine, Tuberculosis, and Respiratory Diseases with extensive years of clinical experience. He has a vast network of professional contacts in the medical field, an outstanding ability to provide healthcare with an emphasis on holistic approach, treating the patients as a physical, emotional, and social being, has an excellent bedside manner, and an admirable ability to establish rapport with the patient. He also has exceptional skills in imparting health related teachings for a complete and speedy recovery of his patients and has an incomparable critical thinking and analytical skills.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Amol Kumar Wasudeorao Diwan is a qualified Specialist in Pulmonary Medicine, Tuberculosis, and Respiratory Diseases with extensive years of clinical experience. He has a vast network of professional contacts in the medical field, an outstanding ability to provide healthcare with an emphasis on holistic approach, treating the patients as a physical, emotional, and social being, has an excellent bedside manner, and an admirable ability to establish rapport with the patient. He also has exceptional skills in imparting health related teachings for a complete and speedy recovery of his patients and has an incomparable critical thinking and analytical skills.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Listen to related tracks in our music library
Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

hrctbronchiectasis

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.