2026/01/01 by Philip Alper, Justine Hamaide, Bridget Harris +13 · 1 voice
Medicine · #Cystic Fibrosis Research Advances #Respiratory and Cough-Related Research #Voice and Speech Disorders
paper · doi:10.1183/2312508x.10027825
openalex publication_date 2026/01/01 · openalex created_date 2026/03/27 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
Bronchiectasis is often diagnosed late due to limited awareness among healthcare professionals, leading to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment and significant emotional stress. Other co-existing conditions, frequent infections, and inconsistent access to physiotherapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and reliable information make care harder, so many patients end up learning about the condition on their own. Patients also need better support to recognise and manage exacerbations, but delays in care, limited access to antibiotics and slow sputum testing often put them more at risk during flare-ups. New treatments, including anti-inflammatory options, offer hope, but people still worry about unequal access, research gaps and antibiotic resistance. Throughout their care, patients want clearer communication, a holistic approach and genuine shared decision-making, with their lived experience recognised as central to effective treatment and management of this disease. <bold>Cite as:</bold> Alper P, Hamaide J, Harris B, <italic>et al.</italic> Understanding bronchiectasis through patient voices. <italic>In:</italic> Chalmers JD, Shoemark A, Aliberti S, eds. Bronchiectasis (ERS Monograph). Sheffield, European Respiratory Society, 2026; pp. 1–12 [<ext-link>https://doi.org/10.1183/2312508X.10027825</ext-link>].