Respiratory Bronchiolitis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
OVERVIEW
All current smokers present with histologic respiratory bronchiolitis, which may become extensive enough to result in development of an ILD termed RB-ILD.1 Currently, RB-ILD has not been reported to progress to dense pulmonary fibrosis.2
EPIDEMIOLOGY / RISK FACTORS
- The majority of patients are current or former smokers with more than 30 pack-years of cigarette smoking1-3
- RB-ILD predominantly affects middle-aged males2
- The incidence and prevalence of RB-ILD is not yet known5
RB-ILD makes up approximately 10% of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIP).6