Physiotherapy Assessment of Patients with non-cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis: Current Clinical Practice and Ongoing Research

Introduction: Patients with bronchiectasis present permanent and abnormal dilatation of the airways, with common symptoms the presence of sputum, chronic cough and recurrent respiratory infections. Until recently, non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis remained poorly investigated. Aim: The main aim of this paper is to present the physiotherapy assessment of patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, as well as the current and on-going research in the field. Methodology: This paper used a non-systematic literature review, in conjunction with the clinical and research experience. Results: During the assessment of patients with bronchiectasis, physiotherapists review objective findings of the patient’s medical examination, such as the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), the microbiological results, the spirometry, and the volume, weight and colour of sputum. Moreover, they use validated questionnaires, specific clinical questions and general respiratory assessment tools. Research outcome measures that are currently under investigation are a disease-specific quality of life questionnaire, the objective measurement of cough frequency via an audio recording device and the cough reflex sensitivity. Con- clusions: The present study is a specialised approach to respiratory physiotherapy assessment for patients with bronchiectasis. The presentation has the potential to form the basis for clinical assessment and inform for the current research directions in the field.