Who Is At Risk for Bronchiectasis?

People who have an underlying condition that causes lung damage or increases their risk for lung infections have a higher risk for bronchiectasis. Such conditions include:

• Cystic fibrosis. This disease leads to almost half of the cases of bronchiectasis in the United States.
• Immunodeficiency disorders, such as common variable immunodeficiency and, less often, HIV and AIDS.
• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. This is an allergic reaction to a fungus called aspergillus. The reaction causes swelling in the airways.
• Disorders that affect cilia function, such as primary ciliary dyskinesia. Cilia are small, hair-like structures that line your airways. They normally clear mucus (a slimy substance) out of your airways.

An estimated 110,000 people are living with bronchiectasis in the United States. Bronchiectasis can develop at any age. Overall, two-thirds of people who have the condition are women. However, in children, the condition is more common in boys than in girls.