Panbronchiolitis%20-%20diffuse Signs and Symptoms

• This is an idiopathic disease which is primarily found in Japan, Korea & China
• Predisposition to the disease may be genetically-related but environmental factors should also be considered
• Failure to treat diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) leads to development of widespread bronchiectasis, progressive respiratory failure & death

Epidemiology

• More common in 2nd-5th decade of life
• Not related to smoking & exposure to toxic fumes
• High incidence in Asian countries (Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, China, Thailand, Singapore)

• Inflammatory disease affecting the respiratory bronchioles
• Causes progressive suppurative & obstructive respiratory disease

• Chronic paranasal sinusitis (>80%)
• Productive cough which usually occurs in the 2nd-5th decade of life
• Wheezing
• Dyspnea on exertion