Also Known As “Popcorn Lung”
Bronchiolitis obliteransis a serious, irreversible lung disease.
It is often sparked by toxin inhalation but can also develop after alungorbone marrow transplant.
Diagnostic tests can help distinguish these illnesses from each other.
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While there is no cure, there are treatments that can help manage the effects.
This article discusses bronchiolitis obliterans and its causes and treatment.
It also addresses symptoms and prognosis.
What Is Bronchiolitis Obliterans?
Bronchiolitis obliterans is a rare disease of the small airways.
The scarring is usually triggered by an infection or by inhaling something toxic.
Why Is It Called “Popcorn Lung?”
What Are the Symptoms of Bronchiolitis Obliterans?
Generally, bronchiolitis obliterans is a disease that affects adults, but it can affect children and adolescents too.
You may feel extremely short of breath and exhausted after moderate physical exertion.
Once the condition begins, the effects typically worsen.
Eventually, this condition can lead to premature death.
You may experience these problems along with bronchiolitis obliterans.
Severe inflammation in the lungs is believed to cause the condition.
Scarring and Inflammation of the Bronchioles
Thebronchiolesare tiny tubes in the lungs that carry air.
Bronchioles can become damaged as a result of an infection, toxins, or inflammation.
As they heal, the bronchioles may become permanently scarred.
This where the name bronchiolitisobliteransstems from.
How Is Bronchiolitis Obliterans Diagnosed?
Your medical history will typically provide the biggest clue that you could have bronchiolitis obliterans.
Your physical examination is an important part of your evaluation.
Diagnostic Tests
You may need to have some diagnostic tests to help assess your respiratory function.
What Are the Treatments for Bronchiolitis Obliterans?
It can be fatal if left untreated.
Medications, includingcorticosteroidsand other immunosuppressants, can reduce inflammation.
This may help prevent further scarring and disease progression.
This strategy may be considered regardless of the trigger that caused you to develop bronchiolitis obliterans.
Symptomatic Treatment
Your healthcare provider may prescribe an inhaler for you to use.
This can help alleviate your shortness of breath and wheezing.
For late-stage bronchiolitis obliterans, you may need oxygen supplementation.
Some peoplereceive oxygenusing a nasal cannula or a face mask.
If you have advanced disease, mechanical ventilation may be necessary.
Lung Transplant
In some instances, a lung transplant is considered.
This is major surgery.
Bronchiolitis Obliterans Prognosis
Bronchiolitis obliterans can progress over a few weeks or months.
While there is no cure, treatment can help manage the effects.
What is the life expectancy of someone with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome?
Summary
Bronchiolitis obliterans is a rare condition of the small airways.
People with this condition have scarring in the lungs that affects their ability to breathe.
Bronchiolitis obliterans can be treated, but it can’t be cured.
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