16.2.15
Bronchiectasis in Children
Malawi Standard Treatment Guidelines, 6th Edition, 2023. Chapter 16, Respiratory Conditions.
Clinical Description
It is long term condition where widening of the airways leads to build up of excess mucus which makes the lungs more vulnerable to infection
Signs and Symptoms
- Chronic productive cough
- Finger clubbing
- Dyspnea
- Wheezing
- Failure to thrive
- Hemoptysis
- Chest pain
- Recurrent respiratory infections
Investigations
- HIV test
- Chest Xray
- Sputum microscopy and culture
- CT chest if available
- Lung function tests
Treatment
- Treat respiratory infections aggressively
- Prevent respiratory infections
- Immunizations
- Chest physiotherapy
- Bronchodilator therapy
- Azithromycin 10mg/kg PO 3 times a week
- Nutritional support
- Treat underlying cause
Complications
- Corpulmonale
- Pneumothorax
- Recurrent infections
- Respiratory failure
Complications and Referral Criteria
- Suspected bronchiectasis to a tertiary facility for diagnostic work up.
- Refer all bronchiectasis patients for further investigations and specialist care if new case
Check doses against the printed guideline and your clinical judgement before treating a patient. Spotted an error? Report it from the contact links below.
Need this without data?
The app holds every guideline on your device, with calculators, bookmarks and notes.