Bronchiectasis is a permanent dilatation and thickening of the airways, characterised by chronic cough, excessive sputum production, bacterial colonisation, and recurrent acute infections.1 It may be widespread throughout the lungs (diffuse) or more localised (focal). It is caused by chronic inflammation of the airways, and is associated with, or caused by, a large number of diseases. It may develop after lung infections, particularly in childhood and in association with underlying problems, such as immunodeficiency and cystic fibrosis.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original article at https://patient.info/doctor/infectious-disease/bronchiectasis-pro