Bronchiectasis and Other Chronic Airway Diseases: A Clinical-based Approach

Abstract

Bronchiectasis (BE) is a chronic respiratory disease with heterogeneous clinical manifestations. In a variable percentage of BE patients, chronic respiratory comorbidities can also be described, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic rhinosinusitis. This association can lead to greater burden of symptoms, increased severity, and worse prognosis.The most recent guidelines, mostly based on expert opinions, state that all individuals with bronchiectasis should undergo a minimum bundle of tests which should be tailored to each patient. The determination of the etiology of bronchiectasis can guide treatment and influence prognosis. Unfortunately, no official guidelines or recommendations have been produced yet to guide clinical management of these clinical associations. This narrative review focuses on diagnosis and management of airways diseases in BE patients, trying to keep a practical approach to support decision making in a clinical setting.

Keywords

• Airway diseases. Asthma. Bronchiectasis. Comorbidities. COPD.