Plastic bronchitis

Plastic Bronchitis (pronunciation: plas-tik bron-ki-tis) is a rare medical condition characterized by the formation of large, branching airway casts in the bronchial tubes of the lungs. These casts are made of lymphatic fluid and cellular debris, which can obstruct the airways and lead to severe breathing difficulties.

Etymology

The term "Plastic Bronchitis" is derived from the Greek word "plastikos" meaning "moldable", referring to the plastic-like consistency of the airway casts, and "bronchitis", a term of Latin origin referring to inflammation of the bronchial tubes.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of Plastic Bronchitis is difficulty breathing due to the obstruction of the bronchial tubes. Other symptoms may include cough, chest pain, fatigue, and in severe cases, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen).

Causes

The exact cause of Plastic Bronchitis is unknown. However, it is often associated with conditions that affect the lymphatic system, such as congenital heart disease, lymphatic system disorders, and pulmonary diseases.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Plastic Bronchitis is typically made through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as chest X-ray or CT scan. In some cases, a bronchoscopy may be performed to directly visualize the airway casts.

Treatment

Treatment of Plastic Bronchitis is primarily focused on relieving symptoms and preventing the formation of new airway casts. This may involve medications to reduce inflammation and improve airway clearance, as well as procedures to physically remove the casts.

Related Terms

• Airway cast
• Bronchial tree
• Lymphatic system
• Congenital heart disease
• Pulmonary diseases

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Plastic bronchitis
• Wikipedia's article - Plastic bronchitis

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