Multiple bullae in asthmatic patients

Abstract

Emphysema bullae are often found in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and if the size of the bulla fulfills > 30% of the hemithorax, it can be called a giant bullae. A giant bullae can be similar to a pneumothorax, requiring a CT scan of the chest to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary procedures. The difference between a bulla and a pneumothorax obtained from imaging results is that if the lung collapses towards the ipsilateral hilum it is called a pneumothorax, while the bulla will appear to surround or wrap around the lung. Asthma is a disease characterized by chronic inflammation and bronchoconstriction. In acute asthma attacks or exacerbations, bronchoconstriction causes severe bilateral lung parenchymal inflation.We present a case of a 32-years-old male with multiple bullae, a complete history of tuberculosis treatment and suffering from asthma since childhood but not controlled. In this case, the likelihood of Multiple bullae in asthmatic patients, needs to be a concern, as well as the importance of evaluation and strict follow-up to reduce shortness of breath and improve the patient's quality of life.