Bronchiolitis Obliterans Symptoms and Diagnosis

What Are the Symptoms of Bronchiolitis Obliterans?

Not everyone with bronchiolitis obliterans will have symptoms. When symptoms are present the most common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath,
• Dry cough
• Wheezing
• Fatigue 

Symptoms will normally develop over a few weeks or months and can flare up while exercising or doing manual labor. Depending on the exposure, other parts of the body may experience irritation. For example, a skin rash may develop in addition to respiratory problems. As the condition progresses, symptoms will worsen.

How Bronchiolitis Obliterans Is Diagnosed

Symptoms of bronchiolitis obliterans are similar to other lung diseases which is why your healthcare provider will need a detailed medical history, including the mention of any possible environmental exposure, to determine if bronchiolitis obliterans is likely. Additionally, your provider will need to do a physical exam and listen to your breathing. They will order diagnostic tests such as a chest X-ray or CT scan of the chest, as well as non-invasive lung function tests to measure the amount of air you can breathe in and out. If the diagnosis is still unclear, a lung biopsy may be necessary.