The UConn Center for Bronchiectasis Care

Bronchiectasis is a serious and chronic disease that warrants specialized care. It is characterized by enlargement, inflammation and chronic infection of the bronchi (the tubes that conduct air from the windpipe to the lung.) This can make regular breathing difficult and cause continued damage to the airways.

At the UConn Center for Bronchiectasis Care, we offer a comprehensive program to diagnose, evaluate and treat patients with bronchiectasis.

All patients will see a pulmonary specialist with expertise in caring for patients with bronchiectasis. Because clearance of the excessive mucus is often integral to the treatment and management of bronchiectasis, each patient will have the opportunity to meet with a respiratory therapist.

For some patients, additional consultations with specialists in immunology; infectious diseases; ear, nose and throat; or genetics will be recommended.

What Are the Symptoms of Bronchiectasis?

While most patients will not have all of these symptoms, the following are the most common:

• Chronic cough
• Sputum production
• Frequent episodes of lung infection
• Recurrent pneumonia
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Occasional coughing up of blood

What Causes Bronchiectasis?

Prior severe viral or bacterial pulmonary infection is often the cause of irreversible damage to the bronchi, making the airways prone to chronic infection. Genetic conditions and immune system problems also can be factors. In some cases, no specific cause is found.

How Is Bronchiectasis Diagnosed?

The diagnosis is usually based on CT scan results and clinical history.

How Is Bronchiectasis Treated?

Several therapies have been shown to improve quality of life in bronchiectasis patients. The mainstays of treatment include techniques for clearing mucus and the careful use of antibiotics. Newer therapies are being studied and the Center hopes to be able to offer promising experimental therapies as they become available.

The UConn Team

	Mark Metersky, M.D., medical director of the UConn Center for Bronchiectasis Care, specializes in lung disorders. Dr. Metersky is a graduate of the New York University School of Medicine. He completed his residency at the Boston City Hospital and fellowship training in pulmonary and critical care medicine at the University of California at San Diego.
	Leonard Cohen, M.D., Ph.D., an allergy and immunology specialist, is a graduate of New York University School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Bellevue Hospital and fellowship training in allergy and immunology at Barnes Hospital-Washington University.
	Kevin Dieckhaus, M.D., an infectious disease specialist, is a graduate of the University of Kansas City School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital and a fellowship in infectious diseases at the UConn Health Center.
	Robert Greenstein, M.D., a genetics specialist, is a graduate of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He completed his residency at the Bronx Municipal Hospital Center and a fellowship in human genetics at the Stanford University Hospital Medical School.
	Denis Lafreniere, M.D., an ear, nose and throat specialist, is a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center.
	Daniel McNally, M.D., a specialist in lung disorders, is a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center and a fellowship in pulmonary medicine at the UConn Health Center.
	Harold Moskowitz, M.D., a board-certified radiologist, is a graduate of State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center. He completed his residency at the Jefferson Medical College Hospital.
	Janet Perri, R.R.T., is a registered respiratory therapist. She is a graduate of Quinnipiac University’s respiratory therapy program.