Inhaled non-steroid anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) for children and adults with bronchiectasis

The airways of patients with bronchiectasis are characterised by chronic inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects of inhaled non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be beneficial in patients with bronchiectasis. However, the short and long-term benefits in both adults and children require investigation, in addition to the potential side effects of the long-term use of NSAIDs. For this review we found one small study that reported an improvement in sputum production and dyspnoea (shortness of breath) in adults with chronic lung disease (chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis or diffuse panbronchiolitis) who received inhaled indomethacin compared to the placebo group. There was no significant improvement in lung function (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and vital capacity (VC)). However, the small scale of this study and the collective analysis of data from the three disease states made it difficult to draw any solid conclusions on the benefit of using NSAIDs to treat adults with bronchiectasis. There were no studies identified on the use of NSAIDs in children with bronchiectasis.