Bleb (medicine)

blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome

A bleb in medical terminology refers to a blister that is typically filled with serous fluid. These blebs can manifest in various tissues due to a range of pathologies, including frostbitten tissues. Depending on the medical specialty, the term 'bleb' can have specialized meanings and implications.

General Overview

A bleb often appears as a hemispherical blister. Its main characteristic is the presence of serous fluid, a clear, pale-yellow liquid that originates from serum or secretions.

Pathological Manifestations

Pulmonary Blebs

In the realm of pathology, pulmonary blebs are defined as small, subpleural, thin-walled air-containing spaces. These blebs are:

• Not larger than 1-2 cm in diameter.
• Have walls that are less than 1 mm thick.

A rupture in these blebs can lead to the release of air into the pleural space, causing a spontaneous pneumothorax, a potentially serious condition where air or gas accumulates in the pleural space.

Ophthalmic Blebs

In ophthalmology, blebs play a crucial role, especially in the treatment of glaucoma. Here's how:

• Intentional formation: For treating glaucoma, blebs may be formed deliberately.
• Function: These functional blebs aid in circulating the aqueous humor. A blockage in this circulation can lead to elevated eye pressure, a common symptom of glaucoma.
• Treatment Enhancement: Devices like the collagen matrix wound modulation device (such as ologen) are used during glaucoma surgery. These devices are known to produce vascular and functional blebs, which have been linked to a higher treatment success rate.

Other Manifestations

• Lungs: In the lungs, a bleb represents a collection of air situated within the layers of the visceral pleura.
• Breasts: In the context of lactation and breastfeeding, a bleb is also known as a milk blister. It can also be referred to as a blocked nipple pore, nipple blister, or "milk under the skin".

Implications and Treatment

The presence of blebs in different parts of the body has various implications. While some are intentionally formed for treatment, others may indicate underlying pathologies and require medical intervention.

See Also

• Blister
• Glaucoma
• Spontaneous pneumothorax
• Ophthalmology
• Pathology

References

1. Medical Terminology for Health Professions. (Year). Authors. Publisher.
2. Clinical Ophthalmology: A Systematic Approach. (Year). Authors. Publisher.

External links

• Medical definition of bleb on MedicineNet.com
• Moorfields Bleb Grading System

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