Abnormal and permanently dilated airways with increased mucus production, decreased mucus clearance and recurrent infections

Post infection, immune overactivity (ABPA) and immune deficiency (hypogammaglobulinaemia), cystic fibrosis, Kartagener’s Syndrome (situs inversus and ciliary dysfunction), bronchial obstruction, rheumatoid arthritis, idiopathic

Finger clubbing, coarse inspiratory crackles over the affected area, halitosis, wheeze

Persistent, productive cough with large volumes of purulent sputum, haemoptysis, dyspnoea, recurrent infections, weight loss

Chest X-Ray: May be normal 

High Resolution CT: Bronchial damage 

Microbiology: Sputum cultures

Other: Lung function tests and Cystic Fibrosis tests if <40 years/suspicion of CF

Physiotherapy for sputum clearance

Antibiotics to treat infections

Treat co-existing lung disease

Generally deteriorate over time/with exacerbations. Rate of decline linked to organisms in sputum