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Review
. 2019 Jun 27;29(1):24.
doi: 10.1038/s41533-019-0136-8.

Primary care implications of the British Thoracic Society Guidelines for bronchiectasis in adults 2019

Kevin Gruffydd-Jones  1 , Duncan Keeley  2 , Vikki Knowles  3 , Ximena Recabarren  4 , Alex Woodward  5 , Anita L Sullivan  6 , Michael R Loebinger  7 , Karen Payne  8 , Alex Harvey  9 , Lizzie Grillo  10 , Sally A Welham  11 , Adam T Hill  12
Affiliations
Review

Primary care implications of the British Thoracic Society Guidelines for bronchiectasis in adults 2019

Kevin Gruffydd-Jones et al. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med. .

Abstract

The British Thoracic Society (BTS) Guidelines for Bronchiectasis in adults were published in January 2019, and comprise recommendations for treatment from primary to tertiary care. Here, we outline the practical implications of these guidelines for primary care practitioners. A diagnosis of bronchiectasis should be considered when a patient presents with a recurrent or persistent (>8 weeks) productive cough. A definitive diagnosis is made by using thin-section chest computed tomography (CT). Once diagnosed, patients should be initially assessed by a specialist respiratory team and a shared management plan formulated with the patient, the specialist and primary care teams. The cornerstone of primary care management is physiotherapy to improve airway sputum clearance and maximise exercise capacity, with prompt treatment of acute exacerbations with antibiotics.

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Conflict of interest statement

K.G.J. has declared funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, GlaxoSmithkline, Astra Zeneca, Napp, TEVA, Chiesi, Nutricia and Novartis. M.R.L. has declared funding from Astra Zeneca, Bayer Healthcare, Insmed, Pulmocide, Griffols, Polyphor and Savara. V.K. has declared funding for educational sessions from Astra Zeneca, Napp, Chiesi, Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim, TEVA and GSK. A.T.H., D.K., A.L.S., K.P., A.H., L.G., X.R., A.W. and S.A.W. declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Proposed algorithm for the diagnostic pathway in primary care of patients suspected of having bronchiectasis
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Proposed algorithm for the review and management of patients with bronchiectasis in primary care
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Stepwise management of patients with bronchiectasis. Reproduced from ref. , with permission from BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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