Understanding the new European bronchiectasis guidelines: what care should you expect?

Stefano Aliberti is Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Milan, and consultant at the Respiratory Department and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center at the Policlinico Hospital in Milan, Italy. He is the director of the Bronchiectasis, Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia programs of the Policlinico Hospital.

His major clinical and research interests are in both acute and chronic respiratory infections. He has extensive experience in epidemiological and clinical research in pneumonia.

He has been heavily involved in bronchiectasis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria. He founded the European Bronchiectasis Registry (EMBARC). Prof. Aliberti has published up to 200 peer-reviewed articles mainly on respiratory infections and he was part of international task forces to produce guidelines on bronchiectasis and severe pneumonia, as well as statements on tuberculosis.

Professor James Chalmers is the British Lung Foundation Chair of Respiratory Research at the University of Dundee, UK, and a consultant respiratory physician.

He is an expert in lung infections and has been involved in a number of projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, including leading the ERS Guidelines Task Force for COVID-19 and being chief investigator for several trials of new COVID-19 treatments.

He works closely with ELF to involve patients in respiratory infection research through projects such as EMBARC, and is an advocate for involving patients in guidelines, clinical research, and clinical trials.

Donatella was diagnosed with bronchiectasis in 2013 and joined the group to share her experiences with the disease. She is also a volunteer of the Italian Association of Bronchiectasis (Associazione Italiana Bronchiettasie APS).

Donatella enjoys being able to discuss different topics around bronchiectasis and work alongside others from different countries to improve the quality of life for patients across Europe.

A Lecturer and Respiratory Physiotherapist with passion for airway clearance management in people with muco-obstructive diseases, in particular bronchiectasis. Beatriz works at Universidad San Jorge / Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa , Zaragoza, Spain. Her line of research focuses on how to facilitate the implementation of airway clearance techniques as a routine treatment and how to promote long-term adherence.

Patricia Whiting was officially diagnosed with bronchiectasis 20 years ago, although it is likely that she had been living with the condition since early childhood, having experienced many respiratory problems over the years. Despite this, Patricia has lived a full and active life with bronchiectasis, long believing that her symptoms were simply “normal for her.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Patricia discovered Asthma + Lung UK and began taking part in several of their online groups. Recognising the need for a dedicated space for people with bronchiectasis, she was invited to create and lead an online group specifically for those living with the condition.

Without a medical background, Patricia wanted the group to be a positive, supportive community that focuses on what people CAN do, encouraging members to live happy and fulfilling lives with bronchiectasis. From that vision, BEHappy (Bronchiectasis Happy) Online Group was created 3 years ago and continues to thrive as a welcoming space for connection, education and encouragement.

Natalie Lorent is a consultant Pulmonologist and Clinical Infectiologist working at the Respiratory Medicine department of the University Hospitals Leuven, and clinical lecturer at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium.

Her clinical and research interests focus on respiratory infections (particularly mycobacterial infections), bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis.

She has a passion for translating science to clinical practice to improve outcome for patients.

Justine was diagnosed with bronchiectasis and non-tuberculosis mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease in 2018. She wanted to share her experiences to help others in a similar situation so Justine founded the French NTM organisation MNT Mon Poumon Mon Air.

As bronchiectasis and the NTM lung disease affect people worldwide, it is important to make the voices of French patients heard in groups such as the ELF Bronchiectasis Patient Advisory Group (PAG). This gives us an opportunity to share our experiences with healthcare professionals to advance treatments and research.

Dr Jennifer Pollock is a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Dundee (UK), with a passion for patient-centred research. She is heavily involved with patient and public involvement and engagement activities for the EMBARC network and works closely with the European Lung Foundation (ELF) to ensure that patients’ lived experiences and research priorities are integrated into respiratory research.