Bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia (BOOP)

What can you tell me about bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia?

- Lisa / Alabama

Answer

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Bronchioles

Bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia (BOOP) is inflammation of the small airways (bronchioles) and surrounding tissue in the lung. It can affect a small segment of the lung or the entire lung. Bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia isn't associated with infection or lung cancer.

The term "obliterans" refers to inflammation of the bronchioles, which partially destroys (obliterates) the small airways. The term "pneumonia" refers to inflammation of the lung tissue around the bronchioles — but not due to infection with an organism. A more accurate term to describe this inflammation would be "pneumonitis" — which means inflammation — but "pneumonia" is the term that has stuck.

In many cases, the cause of BOOP can't be determined (idiopathic). But known causes include:

• Certain medications
• Radiation therapy for breast cancer
• Bone marrow transplants
• Certain connective tissue disorders, such as lupus

In some people, bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia causes no signs or symptoms. It may be found incidentally on a chest X-ray done for some other reason. In others, it may cause shortness of breath and fever. These signs and symptoms usually progress over several weeks. On the chest X-ray, the BOOP may be well localized to one area, or it may involve both lungs extensively.

This condition is difficult to diagnose. A doctor may make a diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia based on:

• Personal medical history
• High-resolution computerized tomography (CT) scan of the lungs
• Removal of lung tissue (biopsy) for examination under a microscope

Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include a steroid medication such as prednisone.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

• Bronchiolitis
• Pneumonitis