Could Chinese herbs accelerate the resolution of reversible bronchiectasis in adults?: A case report

RATIONALE: The classic definition of bronchiectasis is of permanent bronchial dilatation. Therefore, bronchiectasis is generally considered irreversible in the adult population. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 27-year-old woman presented to an affiliated hospital with a 1-year history of productive cough. DIAGNOSIS: Bronchiectasis. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was treated with cephalosporin and a mucus clearance regimen for 6 days and then with Chinese herbs for 3 months. OUTCOMES: Reversible bronchial dilatation was evidenced by sequential chest high-resolution computed tomography 6 months later. CONCLUSION: The current report demonstrated that, although rare in adult, bronchial dilatation might resolve completely in such a short period if receiving adequate regimens, for example, Chinese herbs.