Do pulmonary bullae affect respiratory function?
Whether pulmonary bullae affect respiratory function depends on the specific circumstances. If the bullae are small and clearly asymptomatic, they may not impact respiratory function. However, if the bullae are large, they might affect respiratory function. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and receive treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If the pulmonary bullae are small and few in number, patients may experience no obvious symptoms, and the impact on respiratory function would be minimal. These patients typically do not require special treatment but should undergo regular follow-up chest CT scans.
When the bullae are large or numerous, they may compress surrounding lung tissue, leading to structural changes in the lungs and thereby affecting normal gas exchange function. This can cause patients to feel shortness of breath both during activity and at rest, and in severe cases, may require assisted ventilation therapy.
If bullae have developed and are affecting respiratory function, patients can follow medical advice to undergo lobectomy to help alleviate symptoms. It is important to rest adequately and avoid strenuous physical activity in daily life to promote recovery.