What are pulmonary bullae and pulmonary nodules, and are they serious?
Apr 18, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Pulmonary bullae are inflammatory lung diseases, while pulmonary nodules are granulomatous conditions; their severity needs to be assessed according to the specific circumstances. These conditions are primarily associated with inflammatory infections in the lungs. Stimulated by inflammatory factors, bronchial edema occurs within the lungs, leading to obstruction of the airway lumen. As a result, gas within the alveoli cannot be expelled normally, further causing rupture of alveolar tissue.
Pulmonary bullae are inflammatory lung conditions, while pulmonary nodules are granulomatous diseases. Their severity depends on individual circumstances. The detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Pulmonary Bullae
These primarily result from inflammatory infections in the lungs. Stimulated by inflammatory factors, bronchial edema occurs within the lungs, leading to obstruction of the airway lumen. Gas inside the alveoli cannot be expelled normally, causing alveolar tissue rupture and fusion between adjacent alveoli, eventually forming large-diameter air-filled sacs known as pulmonary bullae. If there are only a few bullae, patients usually experience no obvious symptoms and the condition is generally not severe. However, if patients engage in prolonged heavy physical labor or suffer repeated lung infections, the size of the bullae may increase, affecting normal respiration and possibly causing symptoms such as chest pain and cyanosis (bluish discoloration) of the lips. In such cases, the condition becomes more serious. It is recommended that patients seek hospital care for supplemental oxygen therapy and may require procedures such as thoracentesis to remove trapped gas.
2. Pulmonary Nodules
These mainly arise due to factors such as air pollution and underlying lung diseases. When the lungs are exposed to external stimuli beyond the body's regulatory capacity, immune dysfunction occurs, resulting in granulomatous changes. Patients with pulmonary nodules should go to the hospital for pathological examination to determine whether the nodule is benign or malignant, which guides treatment decisions. If the nodule is benign and small in size, the condition is generally not serious, and regular follow-up examinations are sufficient. However, if the nodule is malignant and growing rapidly, especially when it has begun invading surrounding healthy tissues, the condition is considered serious. In such cases, patients should seek prompt medical attention and undergo surgical removal of the lesion. After surgery, further treatment such as chemotherapy may be considered based on the patient’s recovery and pathology results.
It is recommended that in daily life, patients maintain regular eating habits, avoid overeating, adjust their sleep schedule, refrain from intense physical activity, and attend regular follow-up appointments at the hospital.
