| Abstract [eng] |
Bronchiectasis is a chronic, progressive airway disease characterized by irreversible bronchial dilatation, persistent inflammation and recurrent infections. In recent years, it has been increasingly recognised as a significant respiratory condition, with a rising prevalence, 7 particulary among older adults. Due to nonspecific symptoms that overlap with other respiratory diseases, such as BA and COPD, bronchiectasis is often diagnosed late. For these reasons, the diagnosis and management of bronchiectasis remain a relevant clinical challenge. The aim of this literature review is to present current principles of the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of bronchiectasis. The analysis was basen on recent scientific articles published in the PubMed database in English. The findings of this review indicate that bronchiectasis is a heterogenous disease, most commonly developing as the end result of various infectious, immunological, genetic and inflammatory conditions. Clinically, it should be suspected in patients with chronic productive cough, excessive sputum production and recurrent exacerbations, often associated with chronic bacterial colonisation. Diagnosis is based on combination of clinical symptoms and radiological findings. A comprehensive etiological evaluation is essential to identify the underlying causes of the disease. Treatment is complex and focuses on symptom control and prevention of exacerbations, including airway clearance techniques, mucoactive agents, inhaled antibiotics, oral macrolides and management of comorbidities. In summary, diagnosis and treatment of bronchiectasis should be individualized and based on etiological assesment and clinical evaluation. The implementation of personalised medicine may improve disease control, reduce exacerbation frequency and improve quality of life. In the future, novel targeted therapies are expected to further improve treatment outcomes and long–term prognosis. |
