New Center at Rutgers Aims to Relieve Patients with Chronic Lung Condition

According to the American Lung Association there are up to half a million people in the United States who suffer from bronchiectasis.  Unlike COPD, which is linked directly to smoking and environmental factors, there is no specific, known cause of bronchiectasis.  Without treatment, it can lead to serious injury in the lungs and a lower quality of life.

“Bronchiectasis causes a widening of the airways,” says Sabiha Hussain, MD, a professor and pulmonary and critical care physician at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the RWJBarnabas Medical Group. “Excess mucus builds up in the lungs, and frequent lung infections that can cause irreversible damage, are common.”

Dr. Hussain answers some frequently asked questions below:

What are the symptoms of bronchiectasis? Symptoms include chronic cough, daily mucus (phlegm) production, shortness of breath, wheezing, frequent chest infections (often referred to as bronchitis), fatigue, and occasional coughing of blood. Patients experiencing these symptoms should consult their health care providers.

What are the long-term effects? Without proper treatment, bronchiectasis can lead to worsening breathing problems, reduced lung function, hospitalizations, and a lower quality of life. With appropriate care, many people with bronchiectasis can live active, healthy lives.

What is the advantage of going to an NTM Clinical Associate Center? A specialized center offers comprehensive testing to determine the underlying cause of the disease, as well as access to advanced treatments and clinical trials. These centers also provide personalized airway clearance training and support, along with a team-based approach that includes physicians, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, nutritionists, and other specialists who coordinate care.