July 1, 2025 – As the world marks World Bronchiectasis Day on July 1, respiratory health organizations, patient advocates, and healthcare professionals are calling for a concerted effort to bring this often-overlooked lung condition into sharper focus.
Established in 2022, the awareness campaign has rapidly grown into a global movement aimed at improving diagnosis, expanding access to care, and empowering those affected.
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Understanding the Disease
Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disorder marked by the permanent widening and scarring of the airways, which disrupts natural mucus clearance and leaves patients vulnerable to frequent and severe lung infections. Common symptoms include persistent cough, thick mucus production, recurring chest infections, breathlessness, fatigue, unexplained fever, and weight loss. While it can affect individuals at any age, most diagnoses occur in older adults, with under‑detection remaining a significant challenge.
This year’s data from the 2022 Global Impact of Respiratory Disease Report reveals prevalence rates ranging from 67 to 566 per 100,000 adults in Europe and North America, and as high as 1,200 per 100,000 in some regions of China among those aged 40 and older. Overall, more than one million people globally and approximately 340,000 to 522,000 adults in the U.S. are estimated to live with the condition.
Despite its growing impact, bronchiectasis remains frequently misdiagnosed or under-recognized, contributing to delayed treatment and poorer outcomes.
The Mission of World Bronchiectasis Day
World Bronchiectasis Day serves as a central platform to:
- Raise awareness of a disease commonly misdiagnosed as COPD or asthma
- Encourage early detection, emphasizing the importance of patient and physician education
- Advocate for multidisciplinary care, involving pulmonologists, radiologists, physiotherapists, and mental health professionals
- Foster research, clinical trials, and registries to accelerate treatment innovations
- Support affected individuals, offering resources on self-management, exercise, nutrition, and mental health
“In support of World Bronchiectasis Day, the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) is calling attention to the growing burden of this lesser‑known chronic lung disease and the urgent need for increased awareness, diagnosis and coordinated care,” said Guy Marks, President of FIRS.
Global Collaboration in 2025
The 2025 campaign marks the fourth annual observance and reflects an expansion of international collaboration. The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association, working alongside FIRS, the COPD Foundation, and 25 patient advocacy groups worldwide, is driving the agenda.
Their efforts are co‑chaired by notable experts:
- Dr. Tim Aksamit, Medical Director at the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association, Mayo Clinic
- Prof. James Chalmers, EMBARC Chair and British Lung Foundation Chair of Respiratory Research at the University of Dundee
Dr. Aksamit emphasized, “World Bronchiectasis Day is about bringing the global community together to raise awareness about a condition that too often goes undiagnosed or misunderstood. Through shared knowledge and resources, we can help improve care and quality of life for people affected by bronchiectasis.”
Focus on Patient-Centered Empowerment
This year, the focus is empowering patients with tools and support:
- Self‑management strategies including airway clearance, exercise routines, and nutrition
- Mental health resources to address the emotional toll of chronic illness
- Encouraging participation in clinical trials and research registries to accelerate breakthroughs
Activities include webinars, social media campaigns, community support events, and live Q&A sessions. A free virtual forum will provide an opportunity for patients to engage directly with experts and peers.
Key Global Events and Supporters
- The European Lung Foundation will host a public-facing online Q&A on July 1.
- The Eighth World Bronchiectasis Conference, scheduled for July 14–17 in Brisbane, Australia
- Major sponsors such as Insmed, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Zambon continue to support global awareness efforts
Barriers and Challenges
Despite progress, challenges persist:
- Under-diagnosis, especially among pediatric and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations
- Limited awareness among general practitioners and non‑specialist physicians
- Inequitable access to treatment and diagnostic facilities, particularly in low‑ and middle‑income countries
Note: The campaign seeks to tackle these issues through greater resource allocation and health system reforms.
Looking Ahead: Research and Hope
There is cautious optimism in the research community. With growing investments in clinical trials, genetic studies, and novel therapies, healthcare providers hope to shift bronchiectasis from a managed chronic condition to one that is preventable—and perhaps, ultimately, treatable.
Initiatives such as the Bronchiectasis and NTM Research Registry (BRR) and upcoming global clinical studies are expected to uncover disease patterns and improve standardized care.
Final Thoughts
World Bronchiectasis Day 2025 offers a compelling reminder: this is no longer a rare disease heard of by few. With rising global prevalence and a dedicated international community rallying behind awareness, research, and patient empowerment, the future looks brighter. But the work ahead—spanning education, access, and innovation—remains substantial.
As patients, clinicians, and advocates around the world come together today, the message is clear: bronchiectasis is real, it is treatable, and no one has to face it alone.
Written by:
John Landry is a registered respiratory therapist from Memphis, TN, and has a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. He enjoys using evidence-based research to help others breathe easier and live a healthier life.
References
- Bird K, Memon J. Bronchiectasis. [Updated 2023 May 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025.