Ep 69: What Is Bronchiectasis? With Dr. Addrizzo-Harris | The Health Exchange Podcast

Episode 69 of The Health Exchange Podcast takes a deep dive into bronchiectasis with Dr. Doreen J. Addrizzo-Harris, a leading pulmonary and critical care physician, uncovering why this often-overlooked lung disease is frequently misdiagnosed as asthma, COPD, or recurrent pneumonia. Dr. Rutland and Dr. Addrizzo-Harris explore how delayed diagnosis allows structural lung damage and chronic inflammation to quietly progress, emphasizing the importance of listening to patients, recognizing patterns of repeated infections, and utilizing proper imaging like CT scans to uncover the true cause. The conversation highlights the complexity of bronchiectasis, from its wide range of underlying causes, including genetic conditions, immune deficiencies, and chronic aspiration, to the evolving treatment strategies that go beyond antibiotics. Ultimately, the episode underscores the critical need for better education, earlier detection, and collaborative care, while empowering patients to advocate for themselves if persistent symptoms like chronic cough continue to go unexplained.Follow Our Host:instagram.com/drjrutlandProduced by Born Ready Films:instagram.com/bornreadyfilms