DISEASES OF THE CHEST MARCH The Treatment of Bronchiectasis

IN THIS discussion we are concerned with the treatment of patients who have symptoms of bronchiectasis, and who, upon lung mapping, show dilatations of the bronchial tree. Cough and expectoration are the universal symptoms and it is for relief of these that the bronchiectatic patient most often presents himself. Other symptoms, such as hemoptysis, fever, chills, sweats, fetor, emaciation, dyspnea, and chest pain, often occur and may necessitate special consideration. Joint pain and skin eruptions are not unusual symptoms . and frequently disappear when adequate drainage is established. Gastro-intestinal disturbances are less frequently encountered, but when present indicate a severe toxemia and suggest an amyloid disease. These symptoms, too, often improve and sometimes disappear with adequate drainage.