The BTS non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis guideline1 is published as a supplement to this issue of the journal. It is a summary of the evidence to support the investigation and management of both children and adults with bronchiectasis. The guideline has been written with the help of multidisciplinary working groups that included adult and paediatric respiratory physicians, microbiologists, physiotherapists, specialist nurses, a general practitioner, immunologist, radiologist, thoracic surgeon and a patient with bronchiectasis.

The guideline has been divided into sections that relate to all aspects of investigation and management. Headings are often in the form of a question that the authors hope will relate to day-to-day clinical practice. Sections 2 and 3 highlight the importance of, first, looking for an underlying cause in patients with bronchiectasis …