What happens if someone with bronchiectasis catches a cold?
After catching a cold, patients with bronchiectasis may experience worsening cough, increased production of purulent sputum, spread of airway infection, declining respiratory function, and elevated risk of hemoptysis. Colds can exacerbate airway inflammation and require prompt intervention. If symptoms such as persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, or massive hemoptysis occur, immediate medical attention is recommended.
1. Worsened cough: Cold viruses irritate the already vulnerable airway mucosa, increasing both the frequency and severity of coughing. The cough may shift from episodic to continuous, significantly affecting rest and breathing.
2. Increased purulent sputum: Worsening airway inflammation leads to greater secretion production. The sputum becomes thick and pus-like, difficult to expel, further obstructing the airways and aggravating ventilation problems.
3. Spread of airway infection: Patients with bronchiectasis have weakened airway defense mechanisms. A cold may trigger bacterial infection, allowing it to spread from localized airways to the lungs, potentially leading to complications such as pneumonia.
4. Declining respiratory function: Airway mucosal congestion and edema, combined with airway blockage from mucus and physical exhaustion from persistent coughing, can lead to chest tightness, shortness of breath, and dyspnea upon exertion—possibly even triggering respiratory failure.
5. Increased risk of hemoptysis: Inflammation causes airway blood vessels to dilate and become more fragile. Severe coughing may rupture these vessels, resulting in blood-tinged sputum or mild hemoptysis, with potential for heavier bleeding in severe cases.
Daily precautions include staying warm to avoid colds, getting adequate rest and minimizing physical activity when sick, drinking plenty of fluids to thin mucus, eating a light diet free of spicy or irritating foods, maintaining regular sputum clearance, and using medications as prescribed by a doctor when necessary.
