[Bronchiectasis disease]

Abstract

Bronchiectasis is a worldwide inflammatory disease with different epidemiology and heterogenous etiology. The disease burden is high for patients and economic costs can be immense. So far there are no special disease modifying drugs available for patients with bronchiectasis other than cystic fibrosis. With rising numbers of newly diagnosed patients (prevalence 120/100000 in Germany) due to different reasons (idiopathic, postinfectious, genetic, asthma, COPD etc.) the awareness for this once called orphan disease should rise - not only among pulmonologists but also among general care practitioners. This article focuses on diagnostic algorithms and multimodal treatment options based on the latest studies and the recently published German bronchiectasis guideline from May 2024. It outlines what general care practitioners can do for their patients, what they should consider when treating an exacerbation and that special surveillance of these patients is needed in centers with expertise in this disease due to its complexity. With upcoming treatment options just as disease modifying drugs like DDP-1 inhibitors or inhaled antibiotics one can expect a change in disease treatment and outcome. Therefore, it is more and more important to raise awareness for bronchiectasis starting at the very basis when patients present at their general care practitioner with recurring productive cough, exacerbations, and further cardinal symptoms of bronchiectasis disease.