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Living with Diffuse panbronchiolitis

A rare lung condition with inflammation of the small airways and long-term sinus problems, mainly reported in Japanese people.

Understanding Diffuse panbronchiolitis

Diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) is a rare condition that causes inflammation of the small airways of the lungs and chronic sinusitis.

It mainly occurs among Japanese people but has been reported in other populations. Symptoms usually start between the teenage years and the fifth decade of life and slowly get worse. GARD lists onset in adulthood.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these as common:

  • Long-lasting sinus inflammation
  • Cough that brings up mucus
  • Shortness of breath with activity
  • Wheezing
  • Weight loss as symptoms worsen

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include lung and breathing specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Lung and breathing specialists (pulmonologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with American Lung Association
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which breathing tests can confirm diffuse panbronchiolitis?
What treatments can calm airway inflammation?
Which specialists, such as pulmonology, should follow my care?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startAdult

GARD says the exact cause is not known, but genetic, environmental, and body-wide factors appear to contribute.

Respiratory

Also known as: pblt

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Diffuse panbronchiolitisGARD ID 8526 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Diffuse panbronchiolitis.

Explore the Diffuse panbronchiolitis blog

Explore research for Diffuse panbronchiolitis

Explore actively recruiting Diffuse panbronchiolitis studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Diffuse panbronchiolitis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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