摘要 : Bronchiectasis is an abnormal permanent dilatation distortion and destruction of the airways with both pulmonary and extrapulmonary side-effects. The aim of the study was to find out the presenting features, aetiologies and socio-... 展开 Bronchiectasis is an abnormal permanent dilatation distortion and destruction of the airways with both pulmonary and extrapulmonary side-effects. The aim of the study was to find out the presenting features, aetiologies and socio-economic factors in patients of bronchiectasis. It is a prospective observational study comprising 53 patients over a period of two years. Aetiologies were determined using Kuppuswamy's socioeconomic scale. Number of exacerbations and mortality were noted. The age ranged from 14 to 80 years (mean: 43.33+-16.37 years). There were 35 males (66%) and 18 females (34%). Clubbing was seen in 58% cases (n=31); 11 % patients (n=6) had haemoptysis. Bilateral involvement was seen in 64% cases (n=34). Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and post-tuberculous sequelae were the commonest causes (n=12,23% each). The range of household medical expenditure in these patients varied from 6% to 47%. Lower the Kuppuswamy scale poorer the follow-up (p-value <0.05). Multiple exacerbations were seen in all classes of patients (p-value 0.09). Death occurred in 4 patients. It is concluded that bronchiectasis is a chronic illness with significant morbidity and socio-economic implications. Lower the socio-economic scale, poorer the compliance of therapy. 收起