What causes small bubbles in the lungs?

Generally, small lung bubbles may be caused by hereditary factors, incomplete alveolar development, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, tuberculosis, and other factors. Symptomatic treatment through general therapy and medication is usually required. If physical discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention should be sought to avoid delaying treatment. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Hereditary Factors

Small lung bubbles may have a hereditary tendency. If parents or elders have lung bubbles, it may directly affect offspring, leading to structural or functional defects in the lungs and making them prone to develop small lung bubbles. It is recommended to regularly practice deep breathing and diaphragmatic breathing, which can help enhance lung function and alleviate symptoms such as shortness of breath and rapid breathing.

2. Incomplete Alveolar Development

Some patients may have congenital incomplete alveolar development. The elastic fibers of the alveoli may rupture, the septa between alveoli may break down, and several alveoli may fuse, resulting in congenital pulmonary bullae or cysts. These small bubbles manifest in the lungs as cystic lesions containing air or both fluid and gas. Most are benign and generally do not require special treatment, only regular follow-up examinations.

3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Long-term smoking or inhalation of harmful gases can lead to destruction of the alveolar walls. In COPD, long-standing inflammatory responses and oxidative stress damage the alveolar walls, causing them to gradually lose elasticity. Eventually, alveoli fuse into bullae, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production. It is recommended to use medications such as theophylline sustained-release tablets, salbutamol inhalation aerosol, and salbutamol sulfate sustained-release capsules according to medical advice to alleviate symptoms.

4. Emphysema

Emphysema results from overinflation and destruction of lung tissue, commonly seen in smokers. In emphysema, the alveolar walls are damaged, the supporting structures between alveoli are destroyed, and the alveoli become overinflated, eventually forming pulmonary bullae. Symptoms may include progressive dyspnea and a barrel-shaped chest. It is recommended to use medications such as Bletilla granules, Tankek tablets, and expectorant and antitussive granules according to medical advice to alleviate symptoms.

5. Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The inflammatory response from tuberculosis causes localized congestion, edema, and exudation in lung tissue, which damages the alveolar walls and forms small air bubbles. Patients often experience symptoms such as coughing, sputum production, blood-tinged sputum, and persistent low-grade fever in the afternoon. It is recommended to use medications such as isoniazid tablets, rifampicin capsules, and streptomycin sulfate for injection under medical guidance.

In daily life, maintaining good living habits and dietary practices, enhancing immunity, and preventing lung diseases are recommended.

References

[1] Feng Ying, Qiu Yali. Research Progress on the Effects and Mechanisms of Ozone Exposure on Lung Diseases [J/OL]. Modern Medicine & Health, 1-5 [2025-03-17].

[2] Zheng Kaiteng, Li Shumin. Research Progress on the Relationship Between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Pulmonary Microbiota and Non-infectious Factors [J]. Clinical Medicine Research and Practice, 2025, 10(03): 195-198.