Respiratory bronchiolitis: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Respiratory bronchiolitis | |||
| image = [[File:Histopathology_of_a_smoker's_macrophage.jpg|left|thumb|Histopathology of a smoker's macrophage]] | |||
| caption = Histopathology of a smoker's macrophage | |||
| field = [[Pulmonology]] | |||
| symptoms = Often asymptomatic, may include [[cough]], [[dyspnea]] | |||
| complications = [[Interstitial lung disease]] | |||
| onset = Typically in [[smokers]] | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = [[Cigarette smoking]] | |||
| risks = [[Smoking]], [[tobacco use]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Lung biopsy]], [[high-resolution computed tomography]] (HRCT) | |||
| differential = [[Respiratory bronchiolitis-associated interstitial lung disease]], [[desquamative interstitial pneumonia]] | |||
| treatment = Smoking cessation | |||
| medication = None specific, supportive care | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with smoking cessation | |||
| frequency = Common in smokers | |||
}} | |||
'''Respiratory bronchiolitis''' is a common, mild inflammation of the [[bronchioles]], the smallest air passages in the lungs. It is typically associated with cigarette smoking and is often discovered incidentally during lung biopsies or autopsies. | '''Respiratory bronchiolitis''' is a common, mild inflammation of the [[bronchioles]], the smallest air passages in the lungs. It is typically associated with cigarette smoking and is often discovered incidentally during lung biopsies or autopsies. | ||
==Etiology== | ==Etiology== | ||
The primary cause of respiratory bronchiolitis is long-term exposure to cigarette smoke. However, it can also occur due to other forms of inhaled irritants. The condition is most common in current or former smokers, particularly those between the ages of 20 and 40. | The primary cause of respiratory bronchiolitis is long-term exposure to cigarette smoke. However, it can also occur due to other forms of inhaled irritants. The condition is most common in current or former smokers, particularly those between the ages of 20 and 40. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
In respiratory bronchiolitis, the bronchioles become inflamed and filled with pigmented macrophages. These are immune cells that have engulfed particles of inhaled tobacco smoke. Over time, this can lead to the development of [[Interstitial lung disease|interstitial lung disease]], a group of disorders characterized by progressive scarring of lung tissue. | In respiratory bronchiolitis, the bronchioles become inflamed and filled with pigmented macrophages. These are immune cells that have engulfed particles of inhaled tobacco smoke. Over time, this can lead to the development of [[Interstitial lung disease|interstitial lung disease]], a group of disorders characterized by progressive scarring of lung tissue. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
Respiratory bronchiolitis is often asymptomatic, meaning it does not cause noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include shortness of breath, a dry cough, and wheezing. In severe cases, respiratory bronchiolitis can lead to respiratory failure. | Respiratory bronchiolitis is often asymptomatic, meaning it does not cause noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include shortness of breath, a dry cough, and wheezing. In severe cases, respiratory bronchiolitis can lead to respiratory failure. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of respiratory bronchiolitis is typically made based on a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies. [[Computed tomography|High-resolution computed tomography]] (HRCT) can be particularly useful in identifying the characteristic patterns of inflammation and damage associated with the condition. | Diagnosis of respiratory bronchiolitis is typically made based on a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies. [[Computed tomography|High-resolution computed tomography]] (HRCT) can be particularly useful in identifying the characteristic patterns of inflammation and damage associated with the condition. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
The primary treatment for respiratory bronchiolitis is to stop smoking. In some cases, corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation. However, the effectiveness of this treatment is uncertain. | The primary treatment for respiratory bronchiolitis is to stop smoking. In some cases, corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation. However, the effectiveness of this treatment is uncertain. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for individuals with respiratory bronchiolitis is generally good, particularly if they stop smoking. However, in some cases, the condition can progress to more serious forms of interstitial lung disease. | The prognosis for individuals with respiratory bronchiolitis is generally good, particularly if they stop smoking. However, in some cases, the condition can progress to more serious forms of interstitial lung disease. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Bronchioles]] | * [[Bronchioles]] | ||
* [[Interstitial lung disease]] | * [[Interstitial lung disease]] | ||
* [[Cigarette smoking]] | * [[Cigarette smoking]] | ||
[[Category:Respiratory diseases]] | [[Category:Respiratory diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Smoking]] | [[Category:Smoking]] | ||
{{Medicine-stub}} | {{Medicine-stub}} | ||
<gallery caption="Respiratory_bronchiolitis"> | <gallery caption="Respiratory_bronchiolitis"> | ||
[[File:Histopathology_of_respiratory_bronchiolitis.jpg|Histopathology of respiratory bronchiolitis|thumb|left]] | |||
File:Histopathology_of_respiratory_bronchiolitis.jpg|Histopathology of respiratory bronchiolitis | [[File:Histopathology_of_smoker's_macrophages_with_anthracotic_stippling.jpg|Histopathology of smoker's macrophages with anthracotic stippling|thumb|left]] | ||
File:Histopathology_of_smoker's_macrophages_with_anthracotic_stippling.jpg|Histopathology of smoker's macrophages with anthracotic stippling | <gallery> | ||
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Revision as of 00:00, 10 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Respiratory bronchiolitis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Often asymptomatic, may include cough, dyspnea |
| Complications | Interstitial lung disease |
| Onset | Typically in smokers |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Cigarette smoking |
| Risks | Smoking, tobacco use |
| Diagnosis | Lung biopsy, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) |
| Differential diagnosis | Respiratory bronchiolitis-associated interstitial lung disease, desquamative interstitial pneumonia |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Smoking cessation |
| Medication | None specific, supportive care |
| Prognosis | Generally good with smoking cessation |
| Frequency | Common in smokers |
| Deaths | N/A |
Respiratory bronchiolitis is a common, mild inflammation of the bronchioles, the smallest air passages in the lungs. It is typically associated with cigarette smoking and is often discovered incidentally during lung biopsies or autopsies.
Etiology
The primary cause of respiratory bronchiolitis is long-term exposure to cigarette smoke. However, it can also occur due to other forms of inhaled irritants. The condition is most common in current or former smokers, particularly those between the ages of 20 and 40.
Pathophysiology
In respiratory bronchiolitis, the bronchioles become inflamed and filled with pigmented macrophages. These are immune cells that have engulfed particles of inhaled tobacco smoke. Over time, this can lead to the development of interstitial lung disease, a group of disorders characterized by progressive scarring of lung tissue.
Symptoms
Respiratory bronchiolitis is often asymptomatic, meaning it does not cause noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include shortness of breath, a dry cough, and wheezing. In severe cases, respiratory bronchiolitis can lead to respiratory failure.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of respiratory bronchiolitis is typically made based on a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) can be particularly useful in identifying the characteristic patterns of inflammation and damage associated with the condition.
Treatment
The primary treatment for respiratory bronchiolitis is to stop smoking. In some cases, corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation. However, the effectiveness of this treatment is uncertain.
Prognosis
The prognosis for individuals with respiratory bronchiolitis is generally good, particularly if they stop smoking. However, in some cases, the condition can progress to more serious forms of interstitial lung disease.
See also
<gallery caption="Respiratory_bronchiolitis">
<gallery>
