This post was authored by Alyssa Dittner, B.S., RT, NTTS, PDE and reviewed by the Bronchiectasis and NTM Content Review and Evaluation Committee.

Myth: Bronchiectasis is a rare condition.

Truth: Bronchiectasis is more common than many people think. New diagnoses have increased by 8% each year since 2001.¹ High-resolution CT scans help doctors find bronchiectasis more easily. The condition causes inflammation (swelling) and infections that can harm lung function.

Myth: Only smokers get bronchiectasis.

Truth: Smoking can damage the airways, but often smoking is not the cause of bronchiectasis. It can happen for many reasons, including genetic conditions (like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency), infections (like pneumonia and tuberculosis), autoimmune diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis) and environmental factors.

Myth: There is no treatment for bronchiectasis.

Truth: There is no cure for bronchiectasis, but there are many ways to manage it. These include techniques to clear the airways, medicines to treat infections and reduce inflammation, and sometimes surgery. A personalized treatment plan can help improve a person’s quality of life.

Myth: Bronchiectasis only affects older adults.

Truth: Anyone can develop bronchiectasis. While it is often diagnosed in older adults, it can also affect young people. It is also found in people with COPD, asthma, genetic conditions and a history of lung infections. Interestingly, 40% of cases have unknown causes.²

Myth: Bronchiectasis and COPD are the same conditions.

Truth: Bronchiectasis and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are different diseases that share similar symptoms, such as frequent cough and mucus production. COPD is identified by an obstruction in airflow caused by chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Those with bronchiectasis have abnormal widening of the airways, mucus production and scarring from frequent lung infections. A person can have both conditions at the same time. This is called overlap syndrome. Overlap syndrome is harder to manage and treat. It can also lead to worse health outcomes. Knowing the differences and getting diagnosed earlier is key to getting the correct treatment tailored to each condition.

References:

1. Weycker D, Hansen GL, Seifer FD. Prevalence and incidence of noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis among US adults in 2013. Chronic respiratory disease. November 2017. Accessed October 22, 2024. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5729734/.
2. 2. Association AL. Learn about bronchiectasis. American Lung Association. January 11, 2024. Accessed October 22, 2024. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/bronchiectasis/learn-about-bronchiectasis.