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A lesser-known chronic lung disease, bronchiectasis affects hundreds of thousands of children and adults worldwide. Individuals living with bronchiectasis experience recurring lung infections due to enlarged and scarred airways which make it difficult to clear mucus properly. Symptoms include frequent coughing (often with thick, discolored mucus), sputum production, breathlessness, repeat chest infections, increased tiredness, unexplained fever, chills, sweats and weight loss, and chest pain.
Although there is currently no cure, detecting and treating bronchiectasis early can improve quality of life and long-term health.
“World Bronchiectasis Day was started with the intention of raising the profile of bronchiectasis to aid clinicians and patients in more readily recognizing its signs and symptoms,” said Jean Wright, MD, MBA, CEO of the COPD Foundation and World Bronchiectasis Day founding partner. “I am encouraged by the success of the first global educational campaign, but there is more to be done. Often misdiagnosed as pneumonia, bronchiectasis worsens over time. An accurate diagnosis is needed to begin treatments to effectively manage the disease.”
The inaugural World Bronchiectasis Day, July 1, 2022, raised awareness for bronchiectasis by sharing resources including:
- Video: The Faces of Bronchiectasis
- Information sheet: Basics of Bronchiectasis
- Information sheet: Treatment of Bronchiectasis
“The American Thoracic Society is proud to support the second annual World Bronchiectasis Day,” said ATS President M. Patricia Rivera, MD, ATSF. “Campaigns such as this one incite a global conversation and raise recognition. Through increased awareness, we can do our part to support those living with bronchiectasis and their families worldwide.”
The 6th annual World Bronchiectasis & NTM Conference will take place in New York City on July 18-20. This CME-accredited in-person and livestreaming course will feature the most up-to-date education in bronchiectasis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections including original research presentations and more. Learn more and register to attend the conference.
About World Bronchiectasis Day World Bronchiectasis Day, recognized annually on July 1, aims to raise global awareness of bronchiectasis and help those with the disease and others yet to be diagnosed through education, advocacy, and a global conversation focused on reducing the burden of bronchiectasis for patients and their families worldwide. To learn more about bronchiectasis and to support annual World Bronchiectasis Day, visit worldbronchiectasisday.org.
About the American Thoracic Society
Founded in 1905, the American Thoracic Society is the world’s leading medical society dedicated to accelerating the advancement of global respiratory health through multidisciplinary collaboration, education, and advocacy. Core activities of the Society’s more than 16,000 members are focused on leading scientific discoveries, advancing professional development, impacting global health, and transforming patient care. Key areas of member focus include developing clinical practice guidelines, hosting the annual International Conference, publishing four peer-reviewed journals, advocating for improved respiratory health globally, and developing an array of patient education and career development resources.
Please visit our website to learn more.
About the Forum of International Respiratory Societies The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) is an organisation comprised of the world’s leading international respiratory societies working together to improve lung health globally. The goal of FIRS is to unify and enhance efforts to improve lung health through the combined work of its more than 70,000 members globally.
FIRS comprises the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), American Thoracic Society (ATS), the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR), Asociación Latino Americana De Tórax (ALAT), European Respiratory Society (ERS), International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (The Union), Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS), the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), and the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD).
