Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia (BOOP)

Definition

Definition of Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia (BOOP)
Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) is an inflammation of the bronchioles (bronchiolitis) and surrounding tissue in the lungs. It is an non infectious pneumonia. BOOP is often caused by a pre-existing chronic inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis. BOOP can also be a side effect of certain medicinal drugs, e.g. amiodarone. BOOP was discovered by Dr. Gary Epler in 1985.

It is also known as cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP), and some sources recommend using the latter term, to reduce confusion with bronchiolitis obliterans.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia (BOOP)
The list of signs and symptoms for Bromidrosiphobia listed below:

1. Cough
2. Dyspnea
3. Influenza-like symptoms
4. Febrile illness
5. Widespread crackles
6. Mild resting hypoxemia

Causes

Causes of Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia (BOOP)
COP/BOOP may be triggered by infections from bacteria, viruses and parasites, drugs, or toxic fumes. It was identified in 1985, although its symptoms had been noted before but not recognised as a separate lung disease. The risk of BOOP is higher for people with inflammatory diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia (BOOP)
On clinical examination, crackles are common, and more rarely, patients may have clubbing. Laboratory findings are nonspecific.

Almost 75% of people have symptoms for less than two months before seeking medical attention. A flu-like illness, with a cough, fever, a feeling of illness (malaise), fatigue, and weight loss heralds the onset in about 40% of patients. Doctors do not find any specific abnormalities on routine laboratory tests or on a physical examination, except for the frequent presence of crackling sounds (called rales) when the doctor listens with a stethoscope. Pulmonary function tests usually show that the amount of air the lungs can hold is below normal. The amount of oxygen in the blood is often low at rest and is even lower with exercise.

Treatment

Treatment of Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia (BOOP)
Most patients recover with corticosteroid therapy. A standardized approach to dosing starting at 0.75 mg/kg and weaning over 24 weeks has been shown to reduce total corticosteroid exposure without affecting outcome.

About two thirds of patients recover with corticosteroid therapy: the usual steroid administered is prednisolone in Europe and prednisone in the USA; these differ by only one functional group and have the same clinical effect. The steroid is initially administered in high dosage, typically 50 mg per day tapering down to zero over a six-month to one-year period. If the steroid treatment is halted too quickly the disease may return. Other drugs must be taken to counteract side effects of the steroid.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia (BOOP)
Consult with your doctor.

Prevention

Prevention of Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia (BOOP)
Consult with your doctor.