The significant global economic burden of bronchiectasis: a pending matter

Bronchiectasis should no longer be considered an “orphan lung disease” in view of its prevalence globally [1]. For instance, the prevalence of bronchiectasis has been found to range from 67 to 566.1 per 100 000 inhabitants in Europe and North America ( i.e. Germany [2], Spain [3], the UK [4] and the USA [5]), and has reached 1200 per 100 000 inhabitants among those aged 40 years or older in China [6]. Bronchiectasis confers a considerable economic burden on healthcare services worldwide