Noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis management: opportunities and challenges.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis is a challenging disease which carries a heavy healthcare burden and significant mortality and morbidity. This review highlights the challenges in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis and discusses the management strategies and research opportunities in this field.

RECENT FINDINGS: The challenges in the management of bronchiectasis appear to be multifactorial, arising from both etiological heterogeneity and disease-specific management. Frequent inflammation and infections not only lead to progressive respiratory failure but also increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. No therapies are approved specifically for adult bronchiectasis, but new guidelines and recent studies outline strategies for control of infection and inflammation and for prevention of frequent exacerbations to improve overall prognosis.

SUMMARY: Recent studies in the management of bronchiectasis are encouraging. Advances have been made in understanding both disease heterogeneity and best practices for care; interventions such as daily mucociliary clearance, eradication of colonized microbial organisms, and control of inflammation may result in favorable outcomes.