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Respiratory Bronchiolitis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

Smoking-related interstitial lung disease centered on respiratory bronchioles.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göğüs Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Respiratory Bronchiolitis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease?

Respiratory bronchiolitis-associated interstitial lung disease is a smoking-related interstitial pneumonia in which inflammation and pigmented macrophage accumulation are centered on respiratory bronchioles, often extending to surrounding alveoli.

Patients are typically heavy current or former smokers with subacute dyspnea, dry cough and bilateral upper-lobe predominant centrilobular nodules and ground-glass opacities on high-resolution CT.

Smoking cessation is the cornerstone of management; corticosteroids are used selectively in persistent or progressive disease.

Symptoms

Progressive exertional dyspnea
Persistent dry cough
Wheezing
Mild chest discomfort
Reduced exercise tolerance
Smoker's history
Occasional fine crackles on auscultation

Risk Factors

Heavy current or former cigarette smoking
Cumulative tobacco exposure
Coexisting emphysema
Occupational dust exposure
Male sex with long smoking history
Family history of interstitial lung disease
Concomitant pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Persistent cough beyond 6 weeks despite quitting smoking
  • Progressive shortness of breath
  • New crackles on examination
  • Hypoxemia at rest or on exertion
  • Worsening imaging findings
  • Hemoptysis
  • Suspected coexistent infection

Treatment Methods

01
Strict smoking cessation with pharmacologic and behavioral support
02
High-resolution CT and pulmonary function testing for staging
03
Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage when needed
04
Surgical lung biopsy in selected cases
05
Inhaled bronchodilators for coexisting airflow limitation
06
Systemic corticosteroids in progressive disease
07
Long-term pulmonology follow-up with imaging and PFT

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Göğüs Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Göğüs Hastalıkları Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.