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Important

It is possible that the main title of the report Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia is not the name you expected.

Disorder Subdivisions

• None

General Discussion

Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) is a rare inflammatory lung disorder. Symptoms of BOOP vary greatly from case to case and may include a persistent cough, flu-like illness, and difficult breathing upon exertion (dyspnea). The term bronchiolitis obliterans refers to the accumulation of masses or plugs of fibrous, granulation tissue that forms in the small airway tubes of the lungs (bronchioles) blocking (obliterating) the flow of air. Organizing pneumonia refers to the peculiar, distinct organization of the cells of the air sacs (alveoli) and air ducts (alveolar ducts) and accompanying in inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia). Individuals with BOOP experience inflammation of the bronchioles and air sacs simultaneously, which distinguishes it from other similar inflammatory lung disorders.



Although several different known causes of BOOP have been identified, most cases occur for no known reason (idiopathic). Idiopathic BOOP may also be called cryptogenic organizing pneumonia. Some researchers prefer the use of COP to avoid confusion with other lung disorders with similar names. The term cryptogenic denotes that the cause of the disorder is unknown. Other researchers prefer the term BOOP because it the most recognized term for the disorder.

Resources

American Lung Association

61 Broadway, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10006

USA

Tel: (212)315-8700

Fax: (212)315-8870

Tel: (800)586-4872

Internet: http://www.lungusa.org



NIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Information Center

P.O. Box 30105

Bethesda, MD 20824-0105

Tel: (301)592-8573

Fax: (301)251-1223

Email: nhlbiinfo@rover.nhlbi.nih.gov



Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

PO Box 8126

Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126

Tel: (301)251-4925

Fax: (301)251-4911

Tel: (888)205-2311

TDD: (888)205-3223

Email: ordr@od.nih.gov

Internet: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/Default.aspx

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated:  5/4/2006

Copyright  2006 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.