brochiectasis

Term: brochiectasis

Origin: Anc Greek

βρόγχoς/brochos(=windpipe, throat) > βρύν/vrin(=suck, swallow)

+ έκτασις/ectasis(= extension) > εκ/ec(=from) + τανύω/taneo(=stretch)

Coined

First described in 1819 by French physician René-Théophile-Hyacinthe Laennec the inventor of stethoscope (1781 –1826).

Definition

Brochioectasis is a a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that involves a dilation of bronchioles that produces a large amount of secretions. Bronchiectasis is often caused by recurrent inflammation or infection of the airways or by certain genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis.