Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is clinically defined as irreversible airways dilatation associated with chronic airway inflammation and infection. It is a cause of chronic cough and recurrent lower respiratory tract infections. The prevalence of diagnosed bronchiectasis is probably increasing as a result of an ageing population and the increased use of radiological investigations. The diagnosis is secured by high-resolution computed tomography of the chest, which should prompt investigation for one of the many underlying causes.