Bronchiectasis has many causes, including previous infection such as tuberculosis, immune deficiency, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia. A standard aetiology panel finds treatable causes in a meaningful minority.
Post-tuberculous bronchiectasis is common in India, but it should not end the search when other features are present.
- Check full blood count, immunoglobulins, total IgE and Aspergillus-specific IgE.
- Ask about childhood infections, tuberculosis and recurrent sinusitis.
- Consider primary ciliary dyskinesia with early onset, chronic rhinosinusitis or situs abnormalities.
- Send sputum for routine culture and mycobacteria.
Why it matters
A specific cause changes treatment, family counselling and prognosis.
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