Prognosis

What is the prognosis?

To improve prognosis, it is important that patients are educated in the disease process and have an understanding of the preventative measures.

Most people with bronchiectasis have a good outlook. A regular airway clearance routine and an early response to exacerbations with antibiotics is generally a pathway to maintaining good health. Lung function and quality of life are more likely to decline in those who do not look after themselves. In many cases, mortality can be reduced by medical care, vaccination and improved nutrition.

The outlook where bronchiectasis is secondary to another condition may have a worse prognosis.

Factors associated with poorer prognosis include:

tobacco smoking

gram negative organisms (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa)

aspergillus in sputum

poor FEV1 and FVC

compromised immunity