Diagnosis and management of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

Laura Macfarlane; Kartik Kumar; Thomas Scoones; Andrew Jones; Michael R Loebinger; Robert Lord

doi:10.7861/clinmed.2021-0651

Diagnosis and management of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

Clin Med (Lond). 2021 Nov;21(6):e571-e577. doi: 10.7861/clinmed.2021-0651.

Authors

Laura Macfarlane¹, Kartik Kumar², Thomas Scoones³, Andrew Jones⁴, Michael R Loebinger⁵, Robert Lord⁴

Affiliations

¹ Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK laura.macfarlane@mft.nhs.uk.
² Imperial College London, London, UK and Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
³ Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK.
⁴ Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK and The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
⁵ lead for tuberculosis service, clinical director of laboratory medicine and professor of practice (respiratory medicine), Imperial College London, London, UK and Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.

Abstract

Bronchiectasis is a heterogeneous and increasingly prevalent chronic pulmonary disease that is associated with significant morbidity. In this review, we outline how patients with bronchiectasis may present clinically and describe an approach to its diagnosis, including how to identify an underlying aetiology. We discuss the important considerations when treating either acute exacerbations or stable disease and provide an overview of the role of long-term antimicrobials, airway clearance methods and other supportive management.

Keywords: Pseudomonas aeruginosa; airway clearance; bronchiectasis; macrolides; non-tuberculous mycobacteria.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents* / therapeutic use
Bronchiectasis* / diagnosis
Bronchiectasis* / etiology
Bronchiectasis* / therapy
Humans

Substances

Anti-Bacterial Agents