Causes of bronchiectasis

An underlying disease or reversible cause of bronchiectasis is often not easy to identify. The majority of bronchiectasis cases are idiopathic or are a result of previous infection. Pneumonia, often in childhood, is the most common cause of bronchiectasis. For more causes of and contributors to bronchiectasis, see Causes of and contributors to bronchiectasis.
Table 1. Causes of and contributors to bronchiectasis

[NB1]

Common causes and contributors

severe respiratory infection

asthma

COPD

cystic fibrosis [NB2]

Less common causes and contributors

common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)

gastro-oesophageal reflux or aspiration

radiotherapy for breast cancer

connective tissue disease

allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

primary ciliary dyskinesia

inflammatory bowel disease

nontuberculous mycobacterial infection (including Myobacterium avium complex infection)

Rare causes and contributors

alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

diffuse panbronchiolitis

pink disease

yellow nail syndrome

bronchial obstruction

congenital malformations

inhaled foreign body

Note:

COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

NB1: The main causes of bronchiectasis are the same in adults and children; however, certain conditions (eg rheumatoid arthritis, COPD) are not causes of bronchiectasis in children because they have onset in adulthood.

NB2: Information covered in this topic relates to bronchiectasis not associated with cystic fibrosis; see Cystic fibrosis for more information.

Adapted with permission from Morgan L, Visser S, Stroil-Salama E, Abbott A. Bronchiectasis [How to treat]. Sydney: Australian Doctor Group; 2020. https://www.ausdoc.com.au/howtotreat

Bronchiectasis frequently coexists with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sinusitis, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), anxiety or depression.