BRONCHIECTASIS – A CHALLENGE FOR THE XXIST CENTURY

Abstract

It is now possible to diagnose bronchiectasis more accurately, due to high resolution computed tomography technique. Studies on adult population with bronchiectasis indicate that the disease begins in childhood, but symptoms may not appear until months or even years after patients have started having repeated lung infections. Published data from recent studies indicate a possible similar inflammation model for bronchiectasis and neutrophilic asthma, pointing the importance of innate immune activation. It is considered that an early diagnosis of bronchiectasis and an adequate treatment might improve the long-term prognosis of this disease. Despite new epidemiological evidences, bronchiectasis remain an „orphan disease“ when we refer to the number of researches that include this topic. Data are needed for prognosis and evaluation of the effectiveness of treatments.

Keywords

• bronchiectasis
• diagnosis
• child