Could Chinese herbs accelerate the resolution of reversible bronchiectasis in adults?: A case report

Medicine (Baltimore). 2017 Dec;96(50):e8883. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000008883.

Abstract

Rationale: The classic definition of bronchiectasis is of permanent bronchial dilatation. Therefore, bronchiectasis is generally considered irreversible in the adult population.

Patient concerns: A 27-year-old woman presented to an affiliated hospital with a 1-year history of productive cough.

Diagnosis: Bronchiectasis.

Interventions: The patient was treated with cephalosporin and a mucus clearance regimen for 6 days and then with Chinese herbs for 3 months.

Outcomes: Reversible bronchial dilatation was evidenced by sequential chest high-resolution computed tomography 6 months later.

Conclusion: The current report demonstrated that, although rare in adult, bronchial dilatation might resolve completely in such a short period if receiving adequate regimens, for example, Chinese herbs.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bronchiectasis / diagnostic imaging
  • Bronchiectasis / drug therapy*
  • Cephalosporins / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Cephalosporins
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal