Bronchiectasis

Question 1

What is bronchiectasis?

Answer 1

A permanent dilatation of the airways secondary to chronic infection or inflammation.

Question 2

What are the most common organisms isolated from patients with bronchiectasis?

Answer 2

• Haemophilus influenzae (most common)
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Klebsiella spp.
• Streptococcus pneumoniae

Question 3

After investigating for treatable causes of bronchiectasis, what should your management be?

Answer 3

• Physical training (e.g. inspiratory muscle training) - has a good evidence base for patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis
• Postural drainage
• Antibiotics for exacerbations + long-term rotating antibiotics in severe cases
• Bronchodilators in selected cases
• Immunisations
• Surgery in selected cases (e.g. Localised disease)