CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Bronchiectasis - Management
When should I suspect bronchiectasis and how do I make the diagnosis?
- Suspect bronchiectasis in:
- Adults with a chronic cough, particularly in the presence of any of the following:
- Daily sputum production.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the sputum.
- A young age at presentation.
- A history of symptoms over many years.
- No history of smoking.
- Adults thought to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who do not smoke, or who have frequent or prolonged exacerbations.
- Children or adults with unexplained haemoptysis (usually recurrent blood-streaked sputum).
- Children with a chronic cough (that is usually productive but may be non-productive).
- Children thought to have asthma, that responds poorly to treatment.
- Identify the clinical features of bronchiectasis.
- Exclude other causes for chronic cough based on clinical features and chest radiography.
- Refer to a respiratory physician to confirm the diagnosis and determine the underlying cause.
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement