Bronchiectasis is not contagious - a child with bronchiectasis can't pass it on to other children.
Bronchiectasis is a chest disease - the airways in the lungs have become damaged and scarred.
The airways (or breathing tubes) become widened and mucus gets trapped in pockets within the airway. Having extra mucus in the airways means bacteria and viruses can grow quickly and cause infections.
These infections cause damage and more scarring to the airways and lungs. Once this has happened, the scarring is usually lifelong. But, with good treatment, there can be some improvement and further damage prevented. Good treatment is especially important in young children because their lungs are still growing.
Most children get bronchiectasis after having a very bad chest infection or repeated chest infections.
Children with bronchiectasis feel well most of the time.
A wet-sounding cough is the main symptom and usually lasts for weeks. Extra mucus (phlegm or sputum) in the airways causes the cough and the child may spit or cough up some of this mucus.
This cough can get worse during infections, first thing in the morning and during exercise. Remember though that exercise and playing sport is helpful for keeping well.
Things that will help a child with bronchiectasis stay well:
When children with bronchiectasis become unwell, they cough more and the mucus can change colour from clear to yellow or dark green. The mucus can sometimes be smelly. They may lose their appetite and feel tired.
If you notice any of the following in a child with bronchiectasis, talk to the student and their whānau:
Dial 111 within New Zealand (use the appropriate emergency number in other countries) and ask for urgent medical help if a child with bronchiectasis becomes suddenly unwell, and is having difficulty talking because they are short of breath or they have blue lips or tongue.
Exercise will help a child with bronchiectasis - it's OK if they cough.
School is really important for children with bronchiectasis. Teachers can make a significant difference.
You can support your student's education by providing school work if they're too unwell to come to school.
Some children with bronchiectasis will have education support from the regional hospital schools.
Some children, especially teenagers, do not want their friends to know they are unwell. It can help to have clear communication with the student and family - so you are aware of any changing needs and can provide work during absences.
You can check The New Zealand Bronchiectasis Foundation website [1] for:
The Paediatric Society of New Zealand acknowledges the cooperation of the Starship Respiratory Service at Starship Children's Health and the Paediatric Department, University of Auckland in making this content available to patients and families.
This page last reviewed 22 February 2022.
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Links
[1] https://www.bronchiectasisfoundation.org.nz/
[2] https://www.bronchiectasisfoundation.org.nz/uploads/8/3/8/1/83813494/2245_ndhb_-_bronchiectasis_pamphlets_-_preschool.pdf
[3] https://www.bronchiectasisfoundation.org.nz/uploads/8/3/8/1/83813494/2245_ndhb_-_bronchiectasis_pamphlets_-_school.pdf
[4] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/contact?from=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kidshealth.org.nz%2Fprint%2F123%3Flanguage%3Dzh-hant