What is an emphysematous bleb?
Ask the doctor
Q. What is an emphysematous bleb?
A. The lung contains many millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli. These air sacs have a thin, fragile lining that lies next to very tiny blood vessels (capillaries). As we breathe in, oxygen moves from the alveoli into the blood in the capillaries. At the same time, carbon dioxide that has built up in our blood leaves the capillaries and moves into the alveoli. The carbon dioxide exits the body when we breathe out.
Emphysema is a disease in which alveoli become damaged. They stretch out of shape and often rupture.
When an air sac ruptures, air escapes into surrounding tissue. This forms a bubble within the lung. Doctors call it an emphysematous bleb. Scar tissue forms around the bleb. The bleb no longer has the ability to perform gas exchange.
If there is rupture of multiple alveoli that are next to each other, the bleb gets large enough to be seen on a chest x-ray. Large blebs are usually called bullae (pronounced bull-i).
The damaged alveoli from emphysema cannot be repaired. Smoking causes 90% of emphysema cases. Because it is not reversible, anyone with emphysema must quit smoking to try and slow the further destruction of the remaining alveoli.
Image: © Liubomyr Vorona/Getty Images
About the Author
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
