Revisiting Bronchiectasis care in Pakistan - are we following the progress made in developed countries?
Keywords:
Pulmonary Diseases, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, BronchiectasesAbstract
Bronchiectasis affects approximately 500,000 patients in the United States of America. Estimates in Pakistan are difficult due to the lack of registry and recognized diagnostic therapeutic pathways. The cost of bronchiectasis is believed to be more than the combined costs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in developed countries. However, Pakistan still lacks the ability to quantify costs related to bronchiectasis. Attempts have been made to recognize pediatric bronchiectasis research as a priority through the Pakistan Pediatric Association. Additionally, Pakistan is the 5th most populated country in the world, with pneumonia being the leading cause of death. It is quite possible that many patients who die from pneumonia may have underlying bronchiectasis, but it is not yet diagnosed.References
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