National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Bronchiolitis obliterans

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Other Names:
Obliterative bronchiolitis
Categories:
Bronchiolitis obliterans is an inflammatory condition that affects the lung's tiniest airways, the bronchioles. In affected people, the bronchioles may become damaged and inflamed leading to extensive scarring that blocks the airways. Signs and symptoms of the condition include a dry cough; shortness of breath; and/or fatigue and wheezing in the absence of a cold or asthma.[1][2][3] Many different chemicals (such as nitrogen oxides, ammonia, welding fumes or food flavoring fumes) and respiratory infections can cause lung injury that leads to bronchiolitis obliterans. It can also be associated with rheumatoid arthritis and graft-versus-host disease following a lung or hematopoietic cell transplantation.[3] While there is no way to reverse the disease, treatments are available that may stabilize or slow the progression.[1][3]

Another similarly named disease, bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia, is a completely different disease.
Last updated: 11/1/2016
Signs and symptoms of bronchiolitis obliterans generally develop approximately two to eight weeks after exposure to toxic fumes or a respiratory illness. Affected people may experience a dry cough, shortness of breath, and/or wheezing. Fatigue and wheezing in the absence of a cold or asthma may also be noted.[1][2][3] Symptoms generally progress slowly over weeks to months.[3]
Last updated: 10/28/2016
Bronchiolitis obliterans may result from lung injury caused by a variety of different chemicals and respiratory infections. Inhaled chemicals known to irritate the lungs and lead to the condition include chlorine; ammonia; oxides of nitrogen or sulfur dioxide; welding fumes; or food flavoring fumes (such as diacetyl). Respiratory infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, or Mycoplasma pneumonia have been linked with the condition.[1][3]

Bronchiolitis obliterans can also be associated with rheumatoid arthritis and graft-versus-host disease following a lung or hematopoietic cell transplantation.[3]
Last updated: 10/28/2016
Bronchiolitis obliterans is not thought to be inherited. Most cases occur sporadically in people with no family history of the condition.[1][3]
Last updated: 10/31/2016
A diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans is often suspected based on the presence of characteristic signs and symptoms. Additional testing can then be ordered to support and confirm the diagnosis. These tests may include:[1][3]
Last updated: 10/31/2016
Although there is no cure for bronchiolitis obliterans, treatment may help stabilize or slow its progression. The best treatment options and the effectiveness of the selected treatments vary based on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Medications often prescribed to people with bronchiolitis obliterans include certain types of antibiotics (called macrolide antibiotics), corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive drugs. In severe cases, lung transplantation may be recommended. Therapies such as cough suppressors or supplemental oxygen can also be given to manage the symptoms associated with the condition.[1][3]
Last updated: 10/31/2016

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Bronchiolitis obliterans. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Patient Registry

  • The Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (CGVHD) Consortium is a team of doctors, nurses, research coordinators, and research labs throughout the U.S., working together to improve the lives of people with cutaneous sclerosis, bronchiolitis obliterans, late acute graft versus host disease, and chronic graft versus host disease through research. The CGVHD Research Consortium has a registry for patients who wish to be contacted about clinical research opportunities.

    For more information on the registry see: http://rarediseasesnetwork.epi.usf.edu/registry/index.htm

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Living with a genetic or rare disease can impact the daily lives of patients and families. These resources can help families navigate various aspects of living with a rare disease.

Financial Resources

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

In-Depth Information

  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Bronchiolitis obliterans. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

  • Can bronchiolitis obliterans be treated? See answer


  1. Bronchiolitis Obliterans. National Jewish Health. February 2016; https://www.nationaljewish.org/conditions/bronchiolitis.
  2. Weigt SS, DerHovanessian A, Wallace WD, Lynch JP 3rd, Belperio JA. Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome: the Achilles' heel of lung transplantation. Semin Respir Crit Care Med. June 2013; 34(3):336-351. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4768744/.
  3. King TE. Bronchiolitis in adults. UpToDate. March 2016; http://www.uptodate.com/contents/bronchiolitis-in-adults.