Multiple bullae in asthmatic patients

Desdiani Desdiani *

Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University, Serang, Banten, Indonesia
 
Research Article
International Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences Archive, 2023, 05(02), 085–088.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijbpsa.2023.5.2.0053
Publication history: 
Received on 26 April 2023; revised on 06 June 2023; accepted on 08 June 2023
 
Abstract: 
Emphysema bullae are often found in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and if the size of the bulla fulfills > 30% of the hemithorax, it can be called a giant bullae. A giant bullae can be similar to a pneumothorax, requiring a CT scan of the chest to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary procedures. The difference between a bulla and a pneumothorax obtained from imaging results is that if the lung collapses towards the ipsilateral hilum it is called a pneumothorax, while the bulla will appear to surround or wrap around the lung. Asthma is a disease characterized by chronic inflammation and bronchoconstriction. In acute asthma attacks or exacerbations, bronchoconstriction causes severe bilateral lung parenchymal inflation.We present a case of a 32-years-old male with multiple bullae, a complete history of tuberculosis treatment and suffering from asthma since childhood but not controlled. In this case, the likelihood of Multiple bullae in asthmatic patients, needs to be a concern, as well as the importance of evaluation and strict follow-up to reduce shortness of breath and improve the patient's quality of life.
 
Keywords: 
Multiple bullae; Asthma; Shortness of breath; Tuberculosis
 
Full text article in PDF: