Abstract Background Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by permanent dilation and destruction of the bronchial walls. While it is more common in the elderly population, pediatric cases are increasingly reported, often secondary to recurrent infections. Data on the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation for young patients with bronchiectasis remain limited. This case report presents a 17-year-old female with bronchiectasis who showed significant functional improvement after a structured pulmonary rehabilitation program. Case A 17-year-old Filipino female patient presented with chronic cough and exertional dyspnea. Her medical history reveals recurrent respiratory infections since infancy. Five years prior, she received a six-month treatment for clinically diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis. Despite several medical treatments, she had persistent productive cough and progressive shortness of breath. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan of the chest revealed bilateral bronchiectasis, more marked in the right middle lobe, lingula, and lower lobes, with associated mucus plugging. Bronchoscopy was performed which showed a pale, mucus-filled airway. She received standard medical management thereafter. Due to a decline in her ability to perform activities of daily living, she underwent 24 sessions of pulmonary rehabilitation. Pre- and post-program assessments included six-minute walk test (6-MWT), cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), and various strength and endurance exercises. After two months, her 6-MWT distance improved from 265 meters to 375 meters, with no desaturation episodes at room air. On CPET, there was a significant improvement in her maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) from 17.5 ml/min/kg to 24.2 ml/min/kg, and predicted maximal oxygen uptake rose from 39% to 53%. The patient’s functional capacity and overall quality of life markedly improved after pulmonary rehabilitation. Conclusion A multidisciplinary approach is vital for managing bronchiectasis in pediatric patients, especially those with a history of recurrent respiratory infection or post-tuberculosis sequelae. Beyond pharmacologic therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation plays a pivotal role in enhancing functional outcomes and exercise tolerance. Reports on pulmonary rehabilitation in pediatric patients with bronchiectasis are limited, thus highlighting the novelty and relevance of this case and supporting its broader application in pediatric respiratory care. This abstract is funded by: None
Paler et al. (Fri,) studied this question.