Caption

Lung disorder. Coloured axial CT (computed tomography) scan through the chest of a 65-year-old with bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis is the dilation of the bronchioles (lung airways), seen as dark blue circles in the right lung. The image was taken from below, so the right lung (dark blue) is seen on the left side of the heart (white, upper centre). The aorta (centre) and the spine (lower centre) are also seen. There are many causes of this condition, which can arise from infection or be a congenital condition (present from birth). It results in persistent coughing that produces sputum. Treatments range from antibiotics to the use of inhaled steroids and surgical drainage.