Bronchiectasis in adults

Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by abnormal, permanently damaged and dilated bronchi. This review presented here is of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis called simply as bronchiectasis here

Previously termed " Orphan's disease " as was thought to be rare occurrence in the developed world Found in all age groups ie adults and children Affects women more than men Prevalence increases with age Incidence / Prevalence hard to determine One study has shown the incidence has increased in the UK over the last decade and it now affects > 1 % of people aged 70 and older Overall was considered to be in decline due to ♦ effective treatment and management of childhood respiratory conditions♦ vaccination pro grammes♦ control of pulmonary TB Renewed interest in the condition ( unrelated to cystic fibrosis) possibly due to♦ better diagnosis with HRCT ( high resolution CT )♦ significant associated morbidity♦ ageing population with COPD♦ significant cost associated with treatment for eg frequent hospital admissions Delay in diagnosis , investigation and management is common ie it remains under-diagnosed and is easily missed

Causes- Idiopathic Post-infective for eg following respiratory tract infections as pneumonia , pertussis , pulmonary TB , mycoplasma , influenza Immunodeficiency Disorders...