Bronchiectasis
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How common is bronchiectasis?

We don't really know how many people get bronchiectasis. There haven't been any good statistics to show how common it is.

Bronchiectasis seems to:

  • Have become less common in the last 50 years
  • Be more common in people living in poorer countries than in people in richer countries.
It's now quite unusual in the United States and Europe. When it does happen, it's most often because of
 
 
 
 
 
cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a disease people are born with that gives them problems with their lungs and bowels. The main results are breathing and digestive problems.
 
 
 
 
 
cystic fibrosis.
 
 
 
 
 
Source:
Rosen MJ.
Chronic cough due to bronchiectasis.
Chest. 2006; 129: 122-131.
 
 
 
 
 
1

Most people with bronchiectasis developed it in childhood, although it can start at any age.

Sources for the information on this page:
  1. Rosen MJ.Chronic cough due to bronchiectasis.Chest. 2006; 129: 122-131.
This information was last updated on Jan 08, 2009
BMJ Group
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
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