Bronchiectasis

Abstract

Bronchiectasis is defined as irreversible bronchial wall dilatation and thickening. It may present clinically with recurrent chest infections, cough, chronic sputum production, shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain, fatigue, and malaise. It can occur as a result of a primary infection, toxic insult occurring at any time from childhood to late adulthood, immunodeficiencies, some inflammatory conditions, and some inherited conditions such as primary ciliary dyskinesia and cystic fibrosis, but in approximately 50% of cases no underlying cause is found. This chapter covers the causes, clinical features, and management of bronchiectasis, including antibiotic treatment. Other infections that may occur are also explained, and monitoring regimes are indicated.