Bullous Lungs

Emphysema begins with the destruction of air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs where oxygen from the air is exchanged for carbon dioxide in the blood. The walls of the air sacs are thin and fragile. Damage to the air sacs is irreversible and results in permanent "holes" in the tissues of the lower lungs ,which is often referred to as "bullous lungs".

As air sacs are destroyed, the lungs are able to transfer less and less oxygen to the bloodstream, causing shortness of breath. The lungs also lose their elasticity. The patient experiences great difficulty exhaling.

Bullous lungs in general:

• Enlarge progressively over a period of months or years
• Most are associated with emphysema
• May become infected or lead to pneumothorax

In terminology:

• One is bulla
• Two or more are bullae (pronounced "bully")
• Diseases which contain bullae are bullous diseases

A

Bulla (12cm) before it was removed from the lung (A1AD patient) during LVRS.

B

Recovery of the bulla sack from the lung (A1AD patient) during LVRS

References:
1. Bullous Disease of the Lung
2. Photos A & B courtesy of Froedtert Memorial Medical College; thoracic surgeon George B. Haasler

Disclaimer
This site is not a substitute for genuine medical advice. The information provided by this site is for the education and support of people diagnosed with A1Ad and others wishing to know more about this condition. It is intended that this site will enable you to ask your own doctors the right questions about your condition.

Copyright © 2000 by Spiderspun. All rights reserved.
Revised: December 19, 2006 03:17 PM .