“A STUDY OF CORRELATION BETWEEN CLINICAL FEATURES, RADIOLOGICAL FINDINGS AND SPIROMETRY PARAMETERS IN PATIENTS OF BRONCHIECTASIS”

INTRODUCTION: Bronchiectasis is dened as an irreversible dilation and destruction of one or more bronchi with a reduction in clearance of secretions and in the expiratory airow. Etiologies include prior lung infection, systemic inammatory disorders, and genetic disorders of host defense. METHODOLOGY: This is an Observational study of 160 patients patient who were diagnosed with Bronchiectasis in tertiary health care centre over a period of 15 months. Data was collected and analyzed for correlation between clinical features, radiological ndings and spirometry parameters. RESULT: Mean age of presentation was 21-30 years. Most important etiology was post-infections, pulmonary tuberculosis followed by pneumonia. The cardinal symptoms of bronchiectasis were productive cough followed by dyspnoea on exertion. The most common bacteria isolated from sputum culture was Haemophilus Inuenzae. The commonest radiological pattern of bronchiectasis was cylindrical followed by cystic and varicose. Most of the patients had obstructive pattern in spirometry tests. CONCLUSION: Radiological ndings and spirometry test are more valuable for early and accurate diagnosis of bronchiectasis which help in early and prompt management. Cases of bronchiectasis have repeated history of admissions in the hospital thus all options of treatment including surgical intervention must be taken into consideration for good quality life and healthy.