Bronchiectasis cannot usually be cured. The aim of treatment is to manage your symptoms and help stop them getting worse.

You'll be supported by a GP, nurse, physiotherapist, and sometimes a specialist doctor. You'll have check-ups and tests at least once a year. Your care team will work with you to develop a plan to help you manage your condition.

You may also need treatment for any conditions that have caused bronchiectasis.

Treatment to clear your chest

You'll see a specialist physiotherapist, who will teach you breathing techniques for clearing phlegm (mucus) from your lungs and airways. They may also recommend a hand-held device you breathe into that uses vibrations to help clear your chest.

You'll usually need to do these exercises every day. This helps to control your cough and reduce the risk of chest infections.

If your phlegm is difficult to cough up, your care team may recommend using a machine called a nebuliser to breathe in a salt solution before doing the exercises.

If you have problems with shortness of breath you may also be offered a course led by a physiotherapist, called pulmonary rehabilitation. This will include exercise classes and advice on managing your condition.

Medicines for bronchiectasis

You'll usually be asked to give your doctor a sample of phlegm when you're unwell or if your symptoms change. The sample will be checked for a chest infection, and if you have one you'll need to take antibiotics.

You may be given antibiotics to keep at home (a rescue pack) for when you get symptoms of a chest infection. Your care team will give you instructions on when to take them.

If you get more than 3 chest infections a year, a specialist may recommend you take antibiotics long term to help prevent them.

You may also be offered other medicines, such as inhalers to help your breathing.

Other treatments

If you have severe symptoms and medicines have not helped, you may be offered other treatments such as:

• breathing in oxygen through a mask or tube (oxygen therapy)
• surgery to treat damage to your lungs
• a lung transplant