Bronchioles are the smallest air passages inside the lungs.
Carbon dioxide collected by the alveoli is then released from the lungs as you exhale.
The following are common conditions that impact the bronchioles and affect breathing.
Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health
They can be affected by a number of different conditions, from asthma to cystic fibrosis.
Infection with bacteria or viruses can also lead to conditions like bronchopneumonia.
Conditions of the bronchioles are treated according to their cause.
Piedimonte G, Perez MK.Respiratory syncytial virus infection and bronchiolitis.Pediatr Rev.
2014;35(12):519530. doi:10.1542/pir.35-12-519
National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences/National Institutes of Health.Bronchiolitis obliterans.
2016;193(5):516-26. doi:10.1164/rccm.201507-1281OC
American Lung Association.Emphysema.
Americal Lung Association.Lung procedures, tests & treatments.
Gadomski AM, Scribani MB.Bronchodilators for bronchiolitis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2014;(6):CD001266.doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001266.pub4
HealthyChildren.org.Medications to treat asthma in children.
2021;26(12):1112-1130. doi:10.1111/resp.14147
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.Mucus thinners.
2023;6(10):e2337810.
doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.37810
American Lung Association.Oxygen therapy.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.Positive expiratory pressure.
American Lung Association.Breathing exercises.
