Definition & Etiology

Definition

• Permanent dilation of bronchi due to irreversible damage
• Chronic, persistent and progressive issues causing recurrent inflammation and infections
• 75% have co-morbidities: asthma (43%) & COPD (36%) are most common
• Low risk of exacerbation – need annual primary care r/v (BMI, symptoms history, Sputum culture, exacerbation frequency, spirometry, O2 saturation, Medical research council dyspnoea scale, check compliance with sputum clearance exercises, offer immunisations) – High risk of exacerbation – Need secondary care follow-up

Prevalence

• 5 in 1000 cases
• More common in women
• Increases with age

Etiology (40% have no clear etiology)

• Post-infection: severe viral infections, fungal pneumonia, pertussis, TB, mycoplasma, influenza
• Congenital: Marfan’s
• Other causes: aspiration pneumonia, COPD, asthma, immune deficiencies, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, IBD, rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis