[Bronchiectasis in patients with severe asthma : a narrative literature review].

Abstract

Asthma is a common respiratory disease, accounting for 3 to 10 % of severe cases. Among these, bronchiectasis is more frequent (prevalence between 15.5 % and 67.5 % depending on the studies), but the causal relationship between the two diseases remains unclear. The aim of this literature review is to define the characteristics associated with the presence of bronchiectasis in patients with severe asthma. Patients presenting both severe asthma and bronchiectasis are generally older. The duration of their asthmatic disease is longer. They also have more impaired respiratory function, more difficult-to-control asthma, and decreased quality of life. The inflammatory profile varies. The efficacy of mepolizumab, a biological treatment targeting interleukin 5, has been demonstrated in patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, particularly in terms of reducing exacerbations. However, optimal management for patients presenting with both diseases remains to be defined, and additional studies are needed to clarify the relationship between them and thus implement preventive measures.