Diffuse Panbronchiolitis 1994.3.11

Diffuse Panbronchiolitis 1994.3.11

Diffuse panbronchiolitis, abbreviated as DPB, is a disease primarily characterized by inflammation of the bronchioles. Since the 1950s, Japanese scholars have conducted the most research on this disease. Based on pathology, clinical features, and familial patterns of onset, it has recently been recognized as a common (independent) respiratory disease. In China, diagnosis of this disease has not yet received sufficient attention, and there are currently no large-scale case reports across the country, mainly due to lack of awareness. This disease refers to diffuse chronic inflammation affecting both lungs, primarily involving the respiratory bronchioles and surrounding tissues, with the characteristic of causing severe respiratory dysfunction. Lesions are distributed centrilobularly, with local foam accumulation being predominant. There is also infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells, and in some cases granulation tissue forms, leading to obstruction or narrowing of the respiratory bronchioles. The disease is most common among middle-aged and young adults, with no obvious gender or age differences. 84.8% of patients have chronic sinusitis, and 20% have a family history of sinusitis. Clinically, the main manifestations are chronic exertional dyspnea, cough, and sputum production. X-rays show nodular shadows in both lungs with increased air volume (resembling emphysema). Due to chronic airway obstruction and recurrent infections, respiratory dysfunction frequently occurs, resulting in a very poor prognosis.