Last update:
   19-Mar-2015
 

Arch Hellen Med, 32(2), March-April 2015, 135-148

REVIEW

Etiopathogenesis and management of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

A.G. Mathioudakis,1,2 G.A. Mathioudakis2,3
1Respiratory Department, Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom,
2Respiratory Assembly, Hellenic Society for the Advancement of Biomedical Research, Athens,
3Respiratory Centre of Athens, Athens, Greece

Bronchiectasis is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the bronchi and bronchioles. Its pathogenesis is characterized by a vicious cycle of inflammation provoked by and, simultaneously, predisposing to altered response to infection. This review delineates current knowledge about bronchiectasis in terms of its prevalence and epidemiological burden, the pathophysiology of post-infection bronchiectasis and new trends in its treatment.

Key words: Bronchiectasis, Etiology, Human, Management, Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, Pathogenesis.

© Archives of Hellenic Medicine