Child health · UKMLA & AKT
Bronchietasis
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise bronchietasis — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
Key high-yield points
- Post-infective - most common overall; measles, pertussis, TB, severe pneumonia
- Cystic fibrosis - most common identifiable cause in children in the UK; thick secretions overwhelm mucociliary clearance
- Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) - AR disorder; dynein arm defects; Kartagener syndrome = dextrocardia + bronchiectasis + chronic sinusitis
- Immunodeficiency - humoral (IgG subclass deficiency, IgA deficiency, CVID, XLA); suspect in recurrent/severe pneumonias
- Airway obstruction - inhaled foreign body (young children), endobronchial tumour, lymph node compression → localised bronchiectasis
- ABPA - Aspergillus hypersensitivity in atopic/asthma/CF patients; causes proximal central bronchiectasis
In any child with bronchiectasis, always investigate for CF, PCD, and immunodeficiency - sweat test, nasal NO, and immunoglobulins early.
Unlock the full Bronchietasis revision
Get the complete high-yield notes (5 more sections covering investigations, management and complications), 10 practice questions, mock exams and AI tutoring. Start free.