Early Diagnosis of Non‐Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis in Childhood: Shedding Light on Barriers and Opportunities

Background: "Bronchiectasis" is a clinical syndrome characterized by chronic wet cough associated with chronic mucus production and abnormal bronchial dilatation. This condition is currently diagnosed through high resolution chest tomography in both adults and children. Bronchiectasis continues to be underdiagnosed -especially in childhood- but this age group should be considered of particular importance since the progression from chronic bronchitis to bronchiectasis may take many years. Methods: In this paper we analyze the barriers to a timely diagnosis of non-CF bronchiectasis in childhood and discuss new options to improve the diagnostic algorithms as well as new opportunities for patients. Conclusions: Bronchiectasis diagnosis should be done as early as possible in children, since interrupting the infection/inflammation cycle is critical to reverse and/or stop the disease progression and structural lung injury. Further studies are required to establish transition programs from pediatric to adult bronchiectasis care.