Abstract:
Bronchiectasis (BE) is a chronic condition aecting the bronchial tree.
It is characterized by the dilatation of large and medium-sized airways,
secondary to damage of the underlying bronchial wall structural elements and
accompanied by the clinical picture of recurrent or persistent cough. Despite
an increased awareness of childhood BE, there is still a paucity of data on the
epidemiology, pathophysiological phenotypes, diagnosis, management, and
outcomes in Africa where the prevalence is mostly unmeasured, and likely to
be higher than high-income countries. Diagnostic pathways and management
principles have largely been extrapolated from approaches in adults and
children in high-income countries or from data in children with cystic fibrosis.
Here we provide an overview of pediatric BE in Africa, highlighting risk
factors, diagnostic and management challenges, need for a global approach to
addressing key research gaps, and recommendations for practitioners working
in Africa.