Bronchiectasis causes an abnormal widening of the airways due to recurrent inflammation and infection. When the airways become dilated, extra mucus begins to pool in the enlarged areas. The pooling of mucus becomes a breeding ground for bacteria which leads to lung infections. This is further complicated by damage to the cilia, the tiny protective hairs that line the airways. When the cilia are unable to clear the airways of debris and extra mucus, airway obstruction occurs. The accumulation of mucus and subsequent bacteria lead to repeated cycles of inflammation, infection and obstruction of the airways and lungs. Often developing gradually, symptoms of bronchiectasis may not appear for months or even years after the pre-disposing event that caused bronchiectasis to occur in the first place.

Other Symptoms of bronciectasis include:
1. Dyspnea, worsened by exercise
2. Weight loss
3. Fatigue
4. Weakness
5. Clubbing of the fingers
6. Wheezing
7. Repeated lung infections
8. Chest pain
9. Chronic cough that gets worse when lying down
10. Thick, foul-smelling mucus
11. Hemoptysis