Primary prevention
Preventing bronchiectasis may be possible in some at-risk children with a predisposing underlying disorder. Patient-specific measures may include: early identification and treatment of inhaled foreign bodies; prevention and/or treatment of pneumonia and other lung infections; preventing recurrent protracted bacterial bronchitis; treatment of primary immunodeficiency disorders that cause bronchiectasis; breastfeeding; and avoidance of tobacco smoke and other pollutants.[9]
In adults, early diagnosis and treatment of predisposing underlying disorders may impede the progression to bronchiectasis.[42]
Vaccination as prevention
Childhood vaccinations reduce the risk of complications, such as bronchiectasis, from infections. Encourage or confirm childhood measles (rubeola) and pertussis vaccinations.[43]
Evidence regarding the benefit of vaccines that target common pathogens associated with the development of bronchiectasis is limited.[44] However, respiratory infections such as pneumonia and influenza confer increased risk in people predisposed to bronchiectasis; these children and adults should receive vaccines recommended in national immunization programs for high-risk groups.[44]
Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are recommended in all patients with bronchiectasis.[9][45][46]
Secondary prevention
Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are recommended in all patients with bronchiectasis, in addition to confirmation of childhood measles (rubeola) and pertussis vaccinations.[9][45][46]
Patients should be up to date with locally recommended COVID-19 vaccinations. Continuous maintenance treatments to clear mucus, and early identification and treatment of infections and underlying disease, aid in reducing the number of exacerbations and progression in severity.
Patients with bronchiectasis should be advised to avoid people with symptoms of respiratory infections, and they and their families should be taught hand and cough hygiene. Children and adolescents with bronchiectasis who are managed in cystic fibrosis clinics should adhere to their infection control guidelines.[9]
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