Repeated infections that aren’t treated properly can also cause Bronchiectasis. I surmise that a good percentage of what is deemed idiopathic BE is actually caused by serious infections that were not treated by the correct antibiotics. When doctors won’t prescribe sputum tests, it’s a bit of a gamble and when they believe coloured sputum shouldn’t be a concern, they aren’t reading the latest research from Europe (2023) which asserts that colour can absolutely indicate infection.
In otherwise healthy individuals, with no other risk factors, it will be interesting to see what new research might show. Other factors like having chronic sinusitis, a low BMI and being a woman over 60 puts people at risk. Hopefully more family doctors are more aware of this chronic disease, but I’m doubtful at this point. More education is needed, as more cases are now being diagnosed world wide. Grateful for this MAYO clinic and this group.