Bronchiectasis can sometimes be overlooked amongst the other, more common lung conditions such as COPD. Because of this, it can be difficult for primary care clinicians to be fully aware of how to comprehensively diagnose and manage patients who have this condition.
Lisa and Sara talk to respiratory consultant Dr Ashish about bronchiectasis. We learn exactly what this condition is, what the risk factors are for developing it, and when we should be suspicious of it as a cause. We also talk through important differentials to think about, what to look for on examination and which investigations to do (and the reliability of these). We finish by hearing about the role of sputum samples and what we can be doing in Primary Care to manage patients with bronchiectasis alongside Secondary Care.
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Useful resources:
Table showing targeted antibiotic choices in bronchiectasis on NICE CKS: https://cks.nice.org.uk/bronchiectasis#!scenario:1
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This podcast has been made with the support of Wigan CCG and GP Excellence in Greater Manchester. Given that they are recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions.
The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.
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