Bronchiectasis: What We Don’t Know Yet But Should
Katy L.M. Hester 1, Melissa McDonnell 2, Anthony De Soyza 3
1 Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University and Adult Bronchiectasis Service, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; 2 Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University and Adult Bronchiectasis Service, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; EMBARC European Bronchiectasis Registry; 3 Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University and Adult Bronchiectasis Service, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; EMBARC European Bronchiectasis Registry; BronchUK, UK Bronchiectasis Partnership
*Correspondence: Anthony De Soyza, Email not available
Abstract
Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease characterized by airway dilatation, mucus retention, and recurrent lower respiratory tract infections. Bronchiectasis has a significant morbidity and an appreciable mortality rate and is increasing in prevalence. Despite this, there are still significant knowledge gaps in our understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, prognosis, and optimal treatments in bronchiectasis. This review highlights selected key knowledge gaps in bronchiectasis. Addressing these gaps in knowledge could improve the disease burden both for patients and healthcare systems. Coordinated research networks and large database cohorts of patients ready to participate in both observational and intervention studies will be needed to improve our treatment options.
