Bronchiectasis in western India: clinical presentations and socio-economic burden

Bronchiectasis is an abnormal permanent dilatation distortion and destruction of the airways with both pulmonary and extrapulmonary side-effects. The aim of the study was to find out the presenting features, aetiologies and socioeconomic factors in patients of bronchiectasis. It is a prospective observational study comprising 53 patients over aperiod of two years. Aetiologies were determined using Kuppuswamy's socioeconomic scale. Number of exacerbations and mortality were noted. The age ranged from 14 to 80 years (mean: 43.33 ± 16.37 years). There were 35 males (66%) and 18 females (34%). Clubbing was seen in 58% cases (n = 31); 11% patients (n = 6) had haemoptysis. Bilateral involvement was seen in 64% cases (n = 34). Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and post-tuberculous sequelae were the commonest causes (n = 12, 23% each). The range of household medical expenditure in these patients varied from 6% to 47%. Lower the Kuppuswamy scale poorer the follow-up (p-value < 0.05). Multiple exacerbations were seen in all classes of patients (p-value 0.09). Death occurred in 4 patients. It is concluded that bronchiectasis is a chronic illness with significant morbidity and socioeconomic implications. Lower the socio-economic scale, poorer the compliance of therapy.