Bulla and/or Bulleous Emphysema

[twilliamson]

Can anyone tell me the difference in having a bulla and bulleous emphysema is? Any info will be appreciated

[Toci]

There is a simple explanation here.

britannica.com/science/bull...

And here:

urmc.rochester.edu/encyclop...

In areas of the lung completely damaged by the disease, air pockets can develop. These areas threaten the patient’s health not only because of the underlying emphysema. As an air pocket—a bulla—grows, it takes up space in the chest cavity and can encroach on the lungs. Severe disruption of normal lung function due to the crowding and pressure is a common result.

Bullous emphysema is also known as vanishing lung syndrome. It is most often treated by surgical removal of the bulla, which can grow to 20 centimeters—more than a foot—in diameter. A bulla that takes up a third or more of the space in and around the affected lung is called a giant bulla. Because of its close association with emphysema, giant bullae are most often found in older patients who smoke or used to smoke. A giant bulla is classified as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), along with chronic bronchitis and asthma.

[twilliamson in reply to Toci]

Thanks for the info

[Michellesuss01]

Bulla is an air pocket in the lung. Emphysema is when your alveoli, which look like grape clusters in your lungs collapse and bringing oxygen in and carbon dioxide out is difficult.

[twilliamson in reply to Michellesuss01]

Do you have one? If so what have you experienced with it. My dr said don't worry about but I can quit worrying. Also are you are were you a smoker?

[lynisa48]

Hello I have a large bulla but no emphysema so maybe this is why your doctor says don't worry, there is nothing that they can do and often it has been there for years, I have never been a smoker and except for acid reflux and a little shortness of breath which I but down to being unfit and slight over weight have no symptoms and take no medication, hope this helps

[twilliamson]

Did they find your Lynisa with a CT Scan and what will they do for yours? Also has your dr said not to worry. I guess I've read that your lung can collapse which scared me! I'm a worry wart also. Said I had mild emphysema but my breathing tests came out good. I try to stay fit and in shape so hopefully that's helping😊