Peribronchial thickening

Peribronchial thickening is a medical condition that refers to the thickening of the walls of the bronchi, the airways that carry air from the trachea (windpipe) to the lungs. This condition is often a sign of another disease such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Causes

Peribronchial thickening can be caused by a variety of conditions, most commonly inflammatory diseases of the lungs. These include acute or chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and COPD. Other causes can include asthma, bronchiectasis, and cystic fibrosis. In rare cases, peribronchial thickening can be caused by lung cancer or other malignant diseases.

Symptoms

The symptoms of peribronchial thickening can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. In severe cases, patients may experience chest pain, fever, and fatigue.

Diagnosis

Peribronchial thickening is typically diagnosed through medical imaging techniques such as chest X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan. These imaging studies can show the thickened walls of the bronchi. In some cases, further tests such as bronchoscopy or biopsy may be needed to determine the underlying cause of the thickening.

Treatment

The treatment for peribronchial thickening depends on the underlying cause. For inflammatory diseases, treatment typically involves anti-inflammatory drugs and bronchodilators. In cases of infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. In severe cases or if the thickening is caused by a malignant disease, more aggressive treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be necessary.

See also

• Bronchitis
• Pneumonia
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Asthma
• Bronchiectasis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Lung cancer