Why Do Bullae Form?

When alveoli are damaged, they form larger spaces called bullae that simply take up space. Bullae can't absorb oxygen and transfer it into your blood. Bullae often result from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

What causes bullae in lungs?

The most common cause of a lung bulla is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Other conditions associated with lung bullae are alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Marfan syndrome, Ehler-Danlos syndrome, cocaine smoking, sarcoidosis, HIV infection, and intravenous (IV) drug abuse.

Can bullae be reversed?

New-onset bullae during mechanical ventilation are potentially reversible if positive-pressure ventilation is discontinued. Drastically decreasing the airway pressure is the key management strategy.