Non-cystic-fibrosis bronchiectasis: A perspective from South America

Nowadays, bronchiectasis tends to be considered a rare disease. This is really the case in developed countries, where good standards of living have been prevalent for many decades. But it might not be the case in the developing world, where better sanitary conditions are still needed. This article reviews non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, emphasising differences between developed and developing countries. Diagnostic methods and therapeutic issues are discussed as is the Latin American experience of postviral bronchiectasis. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.