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Bronchiolitis Obliterans
Bronchiolitis Obliterans (BO), also known as Constrictive Bronchiolitis, is a rare, irreversible obstructive lung disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the small airways, leading to airflow obstruction
Prevalence
Unknown
N/A
US Estimated
N/A
Europe Estimated
Age of Onset
All ages
ICD-10
J44.81
Rare View
Bronchiolitis Obliterans, also known as "Popcorn Lung," is a rare and serious lung condition that results in the obstruction of the smallest airways (bronchioles) due to inflammation and scarring.
5 Facts you should know
FACT
Bronchiolitis Obliterans is a chronic, fibrosing small airway disease characterized by inflammation and progressive narrowing or obliteration of bronchioles, often resulting in irreversible airflow obstruction
FACT
Common causes include post-infectious inflammation, lung or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (as a form of chronic rejection), toxic inhalation, and autoimmune diseases
FACT
Clinical presentation often includes persistent dry cough, exertional dyspnea, and wheezing, which are poorly responsive to bronchodilators and can mimic asthma or COPD
FACT
High-resolution CT (HRCT) typically reveals a mosaic attenuation pattern, air trapping, and bronchial wall thickening; spirometry usually shows an irreversible obstructive defect (↓FEV1, normal/increased FVC, ↓FEV1/FVC)
FACT
Management is mainly supportive and includes corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, and macrolide antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin) in certain subtypes; in severe or progressive cases, lung transplantation may be considered
Interest over time
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Common signs & symptoms
Persistent dry cough
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Fatigue
Hypoxemia
Tachypnea
Current treatments
There is no definitive cure, but management focuses on slowing progression, relieving symptoms, and treating underlying causes
Inhaled bronchodilators
to improve airflow (e.g., albuterol)
Inhaled or systemic corticosteroids
to reduce inflammation
Immunosuppressants
especially post-transplant (e.g., tacrolimus, mycophenolate)