Bronchiectasis/COPD mortality

Bronchiectasis - permanent, progressive airways dilation following 'a vicious circle' of inflammation, infection and repair of the bronchial mucosa - is associated with longer and more severe COPD exacerbations, more frequent colonisation of bronchi by bacteria and greater functional impairment. New research suggests bronchiectasis more than doubles all-cause mortality among patients with moderate-to-severe COPD.