[Are investigations for underlying causes needed for the management of an adult patient with bronchiectasis?]

Bronchiectasis may result from various causes. Recognition of these underlying causes may lead to specific management. Focal bronchiectasis are related to luminal blockage or extrinsic narrowing. The causative factors of diffuse bronchiectasis may be suggested by the predominant distribution of the disease and associated extrapulmonary manifestations. Primary immunodeficiencies cystic fibrosis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, chronic Mycobacterium avium complex infection, and systemic diseases have to be looked for, even in patients with knowledge of a childhood respiratory infection.