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Bronchiectasis - Management
What investigations should be undertaken in primary care for a person with suspected bronchiectasis?
- Arrange chest X-ray in all people suspected of having bronchiectasis.
- The chest X-ray is abnormal in 90% of people with bronchiectasis; however, radiological findings are not usually diagnostic.
- The main value of chest X-ray is to exclude other causes of chronic cough (such as lung cancer).
- Consider further investigations to exclude other causes of chronic cough, guided by clinical findings.
- Refer to a respiratory physician to confirm the diagnosis and determine the underlying cause of bronchiectasis.
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