This article was reviewed by the Bronchiectasis and NTM Content Review and Evaluation Committee.

Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFBE) is a chronic lung disease that affects the lungs by causing widening, irritation, and scarring of the airways due to increased mucus production. Mucus tends to pool in the airways because the cilia (tiny hair-like structures that help to sweep mucus out the lungs) do not function well. This causes NCFBE patients to have repeated lung infections.¹ Bronchiectasis can be diagnosed using a CT scan of the chest although further testing like PFT (pulmonary function tests) and bloodwork may be requested by your health care team.¹

The goals of treating NCFBE are to reduce exacerbations (flare-ups), maintain lung function, and improve a person’s quality of life.¹ This may be done by stressing the importance of airway clearing methods, healthy eating, exercise, and avoiding illness. Those with bronchiectasis may be referred to a pulmonary rehab (rehabilitation) center to get advice and education on clearing the airways of mucus and to help create an exercise routine that will be beneficial.²

Researchers are currently studying a drug that may have an effect on lung inflammation, breathlessness, and pulmonary exacerbations due to NCFBE:

ASPEN is a clinical study for NCFBE patients being conducted by Insmed Incorporated. The results of this study will help researchers gain a better understanding of an oral study drug that is being evaluated for its effects on flare-ups and other NCFBE symptoms.

To participate in this study to must meet the following criteria:

• Be between 12 and 85 years of age
• Be a non-smoker
• Have a clinical history consistent with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis
• Have had at least 2 pulmonary exacerbations in the last 12 months (Adolescent participants are required to have had at least 1 pulmonary exacerbation in the prior 12 months.)
• Have no history of COPD or Asthma
• Cannot be on active treatment for nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung infection, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), or tuberculosis (TB)

Click here to learn more about the study and to see if you may qualify.

References:

1. Chalmers JD, Sethi S. Raising awareness of bronchiectasis in primary care: overview of diagnosis and management strategies in adults. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med. 2017;27(1):18. Published 2017 Mar 13. doi: 10.1038/s41533-017-0019-9
2. Pasteur MC, Bilton D, Hill AT. British Thoracic Society Bronchiectasis non-CF Guideline Group. British Thoracic Society guideline for non-CF bronchiectasis. Thorax. 2010;65 Suppl 1:i1-i58. doi: 10.1136/thx.2010.136119