Bronchiectasis (BE) is a disease that affects the bronchial area of the lungs. Its most common symptom
being recurring productive cough in the patient. In Africa in particular, many children are reported to be
suffering from chronic BE Despite the efforts made all around the word to create awareness about it.
Scholars therefore conducted a research on the challenges and barriers to the care for BE child patients
in Africa.
A higher percentage of children below the age of fifteen years diagnosed with BE were found to be HIV
patients as well. The prevalence of BE in these particular patients was attributed to their compromised
immune systems. Previous untreated respiratory tract infections also contributed largely to contraction
of BE.
Children who were found suffering from BE were also found to be behind on their immunization
schedule. The vaccines prevent the children from contracting the different bacteria that affect the
respiratory tract like the influenza bacteria which causes influenza flu.
Low income and middle income countries in Africa had a higher number of children suffering from
bronchiectasis. The accessibility of post natal care and clinics for the children being a major challenge
which contributed in the contracting of BE.
Experts recommend improvement of child care with increased immunization drives and early screening
detection and treatment of other mild respiratory diseases before they manifest to BE.
- Log in to post comments
