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July 1, 2025 — Leading international respiratory organizations are joining forces today to mark World Bronchiectasis Day 2025, urging global action to address the rising burden of this often-overlooked chronic lung disease. The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), which includes the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) among its founding members, is spearheading efforts to improve awareness, early detection, and coordinated care for bronchiectasis patients worldwide.
Bronchiectasis is a chronic illness in which the airways become enlarged or scarred, making it difficult to clear mucus and leading to recurring lung infections. This disease affects hundreds of thousands of children and adults globally and, if left unmanaged, can result in accelerated lung function loss, long-term disability, and premature death. While bronchiectasis can occur at any age, most diagnoses are made later in life. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving quality of life and long-term health, though currently, there is no cure.
Recent data from the 2022 Global Impact of Respiratory Disease Report highlight the growing prevalence of non–cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: rates range from 67 to 566 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in Europe and North America, and up to 1,200 per 100,000 among Chinese adults aged 40 or older12. Despite often being labeled a rare disease, bronchiectasis is increasingly recognized, especially in regions with limited healthcare resources or where it frequently follows lower respiratory tract infections in children.
Guy Marks, President of FIRS, emphasized the importance of this awareness campaign:
“Bronchiectasis continues to be a widely misunderstood and underdiagnosed respiratory disease, affecting individuals around the world. As global leaders in respiratory health, World Bronchiectasis Day is an opportunity for us to spotlight this chronic lung disease and the people it impacts. We stand together to advocate for better care pathways, patient education, and research funding.”
World Bronchiectasis Day, observed annually on July 1, aims to unite healthcare providers, researchers, patients, and advocacy groups to improve early detection, foster research into causes and treatments, and ensure access to comprehensive, multidisciplinary care. The 2025 campaign particularly stresses the need for cross-border collaboration in regions where bronchiectasis is underreported or healthcare systems face barriers to early diagnosis and management.
FIRS comprises leading organizations such as the American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, Asian Pacific Society of Respirology, European Respiratory Society, and others, collectively representing over 100,000 members globally.
To find out more about bronchiectasis and support World Bronchiectasis Day, visit worldbronchiectasisday.org.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information provided by the Global Initiative for Asthma and the Forum of International Respiratory Societies as of July 1, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For specific health concerns, always consult a qualified healthcare provider1.
