Bronchiolitis Obliterans

This is a type of respiratory infection in which there is an inflammation of the lungs at the level of the bronchioles (part of the "bronchial tree").

Cough usually dry There may be fever Shortness of breath Weight loss

Toxic fume bronchiolitis obliterans Postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans Bronchiolitis obliterans associated with connective tissue diseases or organ transplant Bronchiolitis obliterans associated with lung lesions (such as tumors) Idiopathic (unknown cause) bronchiolitis obliterans

Lung crackles on exam Pulmonary function tests show obstruction Chest X-Ray may show "ground glass" appearance

Bronchiolitis obliterans usually requires no treatment except remove offending agent, if known. Steroids (e.g., prednisone) may be prescribed to reduce inflammation. BOOP (Bronchiolitis Obliterans with Organizing Pneumonia) -- treated with corticosteroids

It may be associated with an organizing Pneumonia (this condition is known as BOOP). Symptoms include dry cough, shortness of breath, body and muscle aches, fever, and weight loss. Chest X-Ray may show a patchy, ground glass, or diffuse alveolar infiltrates.

Respiratory bronchiolitis -- occurs in young smokers, presenting cough, shortness of breath, and lung crackles Diffuse panbronchiolitis -- shortness of breath, cough with phlegm, and lung crackles.  This occurs almost exclusively in Japan, with 2/3 of those affected being male (age range 20 to 80 years old).

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