Can bronchiectasis be prevented?

Quick Fact

There are many causes of bronchiectasis, but about 40% of cases the cause is unknown. This is called “idiopathic bronchiectasis.”
Source: American Lung Association

Prevention of bronchiectasis is difficult because the risk for developing it is not often known before the diagnosis. When a cause is known, its correction becomes the highest priority in managing bronchiectasis. For example, correcting a lack of antibodies (agammaglobulinemia) or removing a bronchial obstruction may “cure” the bronchiectasis. Other causative or aggravating conditions that are present should be treated (see discussion about treatment below). For example, aspiration should be prevented, and infectious and other associated inflammatory disorders should be treated.