Bronchiectasis, although less common in children than in adults, is an important long-standing respiratory disease marked by permanent enlargement of the bronchi and impaired airway function. The main symptom is a chronic wet cough. This condition presents a considerable health challenge in children, especially in developing countries where access to healthcare may be limited. Although cystic fibrosis (CF)-related bronchiectasis is relatively common, non-CF bronchiectasis, often triggered by post-infectious causes, predominates in pediatric populations. The diagnosis of bronchiectasis is confirmed by demonstrating a bronchoarterial ratio > 0.8 on high-resolution computed tomography. Medical treatment includes mucolytic agents, bronchodilators and antibiotics. Surgical resection of affected lobes may be necessary in cases of severe, localized disease or recurrent hemoptysis, though this is rare in children. Timely diagnosis and well-directed management are crucial to prevent further clinical deterioration and to maintain optimal pulmonary function.
Kuru et al. (Thu,) studied this question.