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How is bronchiectasis with bleeding treated?

Dr Neeraj Jain
Senior Consultant and Head, Dept. of Respiratory Medicine,
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital,
New Delhi

Q: My father is 63 years old and suffering from bronchiectasis. Some holes are there in his lungs, 30% of his lungs are damaged, so surgery is not advised. In a month, blood comes out of his throat and nose at least 3-4 times. He is otherwise healthy and can walk several miles and do all his work. The doctor has given him an inhaler and says to take care only.

A:If your father has bronchiectasis and has bleeding from the lungs, which cannot be treated by surgery, there is the option of undergoing bronchial artery embolisation, which is a very effective procedure in selected group of patients and virtually risk free in expert hands.