Bronchiectasis - How common is it?

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 richer countries.

It's now quite unusual in Europe and the US. When it does happen, it's most often because of cystic fibrosis.[1]

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

References

Rosen MJ. Chronic cough due to bronchiectasis. Chest. 2006; 129: 122-131.

Glossary

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.

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.