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Abnormal Alveolar Volume C5539731

Published: July 22, 2026Updated: August 20, 2026

A finding of abnormal air space size within the lungs. This can occur with various lung conditions and affects breathing. Diagnosis and treatment focus on the underlying lung disease.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 20, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ICD-10
J98.9
ICD-11
CA00.0
Body system
respiratory
Severity
moderate
Chronic
true

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.

Warning signs - seek immediate care

!

Increased respiratory rate

Breathing faster than normal, often more than 20 breaths per minute.

Seek immediate emergency care for very rapid breathing, bluish lips, or confusion.

!

Cyanosis

Bluish discoloration of the lips, fingertips, or skin due to low oxygen levels.

Seek immediate emergency care if cyanosis appears suddenly or is accompanied by difficulty breathing.

Shortness of breath

(respiratory)

Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless, especially during physical activity or at rest.

Frequency: 70-80% of patients

Cough

(respiratory)

Persistent cough that may be dry or produce mucus or sputum.

Frequency: 60-75% of patients

Wheezing

(respiratory)

High-pitched whistling sound during breathing, often more audible during exhalation.

Frequency: 40-50% of patients

Fatigue

(constitutional)

Persistent tiredness and lack of energy that does not improve with rest.

Frequency: 35-45% of patients

Chest pain

(respiratory)

Pain or discomfort in the chest area, often worsened by deep breathing or coughing.

Frequency: 15-25% of patients

Rapid heart rate

(cardiovascular)

Heart beats faster than normal, often felt as palpitations or racing heart.

Frequency: 15-20% of patients

Loss of appetite

(gastrointestinal)

Reduced desire to eat, often accompanied by feeling full quickly.

Frequency: 15-20% of patients

Diagnosis and tests

How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.

Initial screening tests

1

Standard diagnostic workup

Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Treatment options

Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.

First-line treatments

1

Bronchodilator therapy

Long-acting beta-agonists and anticholinergic medications to reduce air trapping and hyperinflation associated with abnormal alveolar volume. Helps optimize breathing mechanics and reduce dynamic collapse.

medication
2

Respiratory therapy and management

Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.

lifestyle
3

Pursed-lip breathing exercises

Teaching patients to breathe through pursed lips during exhalation to create positive airway pressure, preventing alveolar collapse and reducing air trapping. Simple technique for daily practice.

lifestyle

Additional treatment options

Lung volume reduction surgery

Resection of severely diseased emphysematous lung tissue to allow healthier remaining alveoli to function more effectively. Reserved for severe cases with significant hyperinflation.

surgical

Diaphragmatic breathing training

Physical therapy intervention to strengthen the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, improving chest wall mechanics and helping normalize alveolar volume distribution during respiration.

physical_therapy

Inspiratory muscle training

Device-based training using pressure threshold trainers to strengthen inspiratory muscles, potentially reducing work of breathing and improving alveolar ventilation efficiency.

complementary

When to seek medical help

Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.

Schedule an appointment soon

Symptoms associated with this condition. Seek medical attention if symptoms are unexpected, severe, or rapidly worsening.- Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen. Seek emergency care for sudden severe symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this topic.

Q

What is Abnormal Alveolar Volume C5539731?

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]

general

Sources and references

Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.

1

Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: 2023 Report.

guideline2023View source →
2

ARDS Definition Task Force. Acute respiratory distress syndrome: the Berlin Definition.

guideline2012View source →
3

Matthay MA, Zemans RL, Zimmerman GA, et al. Acute respiratory distress syndrome. Nature Reviews Disease Primers.

review2019View source →
4

Raghavendran K, Napolitano LM. ALI and ARDS: definitions and epidemiology. Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

guideline2011View source →
5

Thompson BT, Chambers RC, Liu KD. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. New England Journal of Medicine.

meta_analysis2017View source →
6

The Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Network. Ventilation with lower tidal volumes as compared with traditional tidal volumes for acute lung injury and the acute respiratory distress syndrome.

clinical_trial2000View source →
7

West JB. Pulmonary Pathophysiology: The Essentials. 9th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2017.

textbook2017
8

American Thoracic Society. Evidence-based practice for acute respiratory distress syndrome. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

position_statement2017View source →
9

Ware LB, Matthay MA. The acute respiratory distress syndrome. New England Journal of Medicine.

review2000View source →
10

Ferguson ND, Fan E, Camporota L, et al. The Berlin definition of ARDS: expanded consensus. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.

consensus2013View source →

Medication Comparisons

Compare medications used to treat Abnormal Alveolar Volume C5539731. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.

View Medication Comparisons

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy