17th February 2025

Overview of bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is the chronic and irreversible dilatation of the airways due to recurrent inflammation or infection. It is associated with chronic sputum production, airflow obstruction and recurrent chest infections. 

Bronchiectasis can be idiopathic or secondary to one of many causes, including: 

• Previous infection: bacterial pneumonia, TB, viral illness, measles
• Genetic causes: cystic fibrosis, Kartagener’s syndrome, primary ciliary dyskinesia
• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
• Immune deficiency: 
  • Primary: hypogammaglobulinaemia, common variable immunodeficiency 
  • Secondary: HIV, CLL, nephrotic syndrome
• Yellow nail syndrome
• Chronic aspiration: GORD, alcohol excess
• Bronchial obstruction: lung cancer
• Systemic conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease