Bronchiectasis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients is associated with a notably higher risk of acute respiratory flares and other serious problems, a Taiwan study shows.
The study, “Acute respiratory events in patients with bronchiectasis–COPD overlap syndrome: A population-based cohort study,” was published in the journal Respiratory Medicine.
Bronchiectasis and COPD can coexist in a person, a condition called bronchiectasis-COPD overlap syndrome (BCOS). A few studies have shown that patients with both illnesses tend to have poorer respiratory function and more frequent exacerbations or flares.
Best ways of managing BCOS and likely patient outcomes, however, are still being investigated.
