Chronic obliterative bronchiolitis

The bronchioles are narrow tubes that carry air deep into the lungs. In obliterative bronchiolitis, injury or inflammation can lead to scar tissue that reduces airflow. Breathlessness, dry cough, wheezing, reduced exercise tolerance, and tiredness may develop gradually or follow a significant respiratory illness or other lung injury. The condition is different from the common childhood infection called bronchiolitis, although the names are similar. Symptoms alone cannot confirm the diagnosis; clinicians may review exposures, previous infections, medicines, immune conditions, and lung-function results.

Keep specialist appointments and report changes in exercise tolerance, cough, or wheezing. Avoid tobacco smoke, vaping aerosols, and workplace fumes where possible, and ask about respiratory protection if exposure cannot be avoided. Follow the prescribed breathing plan and use inhalers or a nebuliser only as directed. A child with ongoing breathing symptoms may need a child health consultation; adults may need respiratory follow-up. Vaccination advice, infection prevention, and a paced activity plan can be tailored to the person’s lung function and overall health.

Seek emergency help for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, blue or grey lips, inability to speak comfortably, fainting, marked drowsiness, or severe chest pulling in a child. Contact a clinician promptly for new fever, a sudden increase in cough or wheeze, chest pain, or a clear drop in usual activity. Early review can identify infection or another problem that needs treatment.

Ask: What evidence supports this diagnosis? Which lung tests will track airflow? What should I do during an infection or flare? Would nebuliser treatment help me? Which exposures should I avoid, and when should I seek emergency care?