From hemp seed and porcupine quill to HRCT: advances in the diagnosis and epidemiology of bronchiectasis.

Over the last decade there has been a significant improvement in our ability to recognise non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis in children. The precise incidence is uncertain, and it varies greatly depending on the populations studied and the methods used to make the diagnosis. It is unlikely that many of the underlying causes of non-CF bronchiectasis will be eradicated in the near future, and so it must be expected that with ever improving technology this diagnosis will be made with increasing frequency. This emphasises the need to improve our understanding of the aetiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and management options for children with this group of conditions.