Bronchiectasis. How to identify, treat, and prevent.

Bronchiectasis is not as common as it once was. In developed countries, the causes include congenital disorders, cystic fibrosis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and immune deficiency states. Bronchiectasis can usually be diagnosed with little difficulty by supplementing complete physical examination with chest radiography, biochemical and serologic studies, and computed tomography of the lungs. Once the diagnosis is established, therapy is aimed at eradicating the underlying disease. Surgery is indicated for local lesions and for patients with massive hemoptysis or recurrent infection that is unresponsive to medical therapy.