Clinical, Radiological and Microbiological Profile of Bronchiectasis in Adults in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross Sectional Study

Background Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disorder characterized by irreversible bronchial dilatation, recurrent infections, and progressive lung damage. Varying etiological factors and clinical presentations geographically, necessitate region-specific studies. This study aims to assess the clinical, microbiological and radiological profile in patients with bronchiectasis at a tertiary care center. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Respiratory Medicine, of a tertiary care hospital from February 2023 till September 2025. A total of 136 patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis were enrolled. Clinical evaluation, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the thorax, and microbiological assessment, including sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cultures along with spirometry were performed. The antimicrobial susceptibility of isolated pathogens was analyzed. Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive methods. Results Among 70 patients, 55.7% were female, and the majority (51.2%) was aged 61–70 years. The most common symptoms included cough (73.2%), sputum production (70.7%), and dyspnea (60.9%). HRCT findings revealed a predominance of cystic (46.3%) and cylindrical (39%) patterns, with 65.9% of cases showing bilateral lung involvement. Microbiological analysis identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa (44.3%) as the most frequently isolated pathogen, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (27.1%). Patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited more severe radiological involvement, including multilobar and cystic patterns. Spirometry analysis of the study participants revealed mixed (obstruction + restriction) pattern of air flow limitation (60%) followed by restrictive pattern (22%), while obstructive pattern was observed in 18% patients. Conclusion This study highlights the significant burden of bronchiectasis in elderly patients, with post-tuberculosis sequelae being a predominant etiological factor. Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization is associated with more extensive radiological involvement, underscoring the need for targeted antimicrobial strategies. Comprehensive management approaches should address both underlying etiologies and associated co-morbidities to improve patient outcomes