[Bronchiectasis: a reemerging disease]

Abstract

Bronchiectasis has a barely studied and under-estimated prevalence. Diagnosis is based on clinical history and CT scan. It is necessary to make some tests to clarify its etiology. Microbiology of expectoration, physiotherapy, prolonged and repeated antibiotherapy play the key role in treatment. We lack studies to recommend other therapies. Surgery is reserved for localized lesions. Ten years mortality is 30%, but in ICU it is very high. An early and aggressive treatment seems justified.