Editing Bronchiectasis (section)

== Diagnosis ==
[[File:Bronquiectasia.jpeg|thumb|[[CT scan]] of the lungs showing findings diagnostic of bronchiectasis. White and black arrows point to dilated bronchi characteristic of the disease.]]
The goals of a diagnostic evaluation for bronchiectasis are radiographic confirmation of the diagnosis, identification of potential treatable causes, and functional assessment of the patient. A comprehensive evaluation consists of radiographic imaging, laboratory testing, and [[Pulmonary function testing|lung function testing]].<ref name="Pasteur i1–58">{{Cite journal|last1=Pasteur|first1=M. C.|last2=Bilton|first2=D.|last3=Hill|first3=A. T.|last4=British Thoracic Society Bronchiectasis non-CF Guideline Group|date=July 2010|title=British Thoracic Society guideline for non-CF bronchiectasis|journal=Thorax|volume=65 |issue=Suppl 1|pages=i1–58|doi=10.1136/thx.2010.136119 |pmid=20627931|doi-access=free}}</ref>

Laboratory tests that are commonly part of the initial evaluation include a [[complete blood count]], [[sputum culture]]s for bacteria, [[Mycobacterium|mycobacteria]], and [[Fungus|fungi]], testing for cystic fibrosis, and [[immunoglobulin]] levels.<ref name="auto1"/> Additional tests that are sometimes indicated include testing for specific [[genetic disorder]]s.<ref name="Bronchiectasis"/>

Lung function testing is used for the assessment and monitoring of functional impairment due to bronchiectasis. These tests may include [[spirometry]] and walking tests.<ref name=":02"/> [[Obstructive lung disease|Obstructive lung impairment]] is the most common finding but [[Restrictive lung disease|restrictive lung impairment]] can be seen in advanced disease. Flexible [[bronchoscopy]] may be performed when sputum studies are negative and a focal obstructing lesion is suspected.<ref name="Kwon 302–307"/>

A [[chest x-ray]] is abnormal in most patients with bronchiectasis. [[Computed tomography]] is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and is also used to describe the distribution and grade the severity of the disease. Radiographic findings include airway dilation, bronchial wall thickening, and [[atelectasis]].<ref name="Mc20132">{{cite journal |last1=McShane |first1=PJ |last2=Naureckas |first2=ET |last3=Tino |first3=G |last4=Strek |first4=ME |date=Sep 15, 2013 |title=Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. |journal=American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine |volume=188 |issue=6 |pages=647–56 |doi=10.1164/rccm.201303-0411CI |pmid=23898922}}</ref> There are three types bronchiectasis that can be seen on CT scan, namely cylindrical, varicose, and cystic bronchiectasis.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Milliron |first1=Bethany |last2=Henry |first2=Travis S. |last3=Veeraraghavan |first3=Srihari |last4=Little |first4=Brent P. |date=July 2015 |title=Bronchiectasis: Mechanisms and Imaging Clues of Associated Common and Uncommon Diseases |url=http://pubs.rsna.org/doi/10.1148/rg.2015140214 |journal=RadioGraphics |language=en |volume=35 |issue=4 |pages=1011–1030 |doi=10.1148/rg.2015140214 |pmid=26024063 |issn=0271-5333|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

<gallery>
File:Bronchiectasis (3705143327).jpg|Bronchiectasis primarily in the [[middle lobe]] of the right lung.
File:Bronchiectasis .jpg|Bronchiectasis secondary to a large [[carcinoid]] tumor (not shown) that was completely obstructing the bronchus proximally. Dilation of the airways is present.
</gallery>