Abnormal Bronchoalveolar Fluid Protein Level C5397967
A finding where protein levels in lung washing fluid are higher or lower than expected. This can occur with infections, inflammation, or other lung diseases. Treatment depends on identifying and addressing the underlying cause.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- J98.9
- ICD-11
- CA00.0
- Body system
- respiratory
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- false
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing or feeling winded, especially during physical activity or at rest.
Seek immediate care if shortness of breath is sudden, severe, or accompanied by chest pain or bluish lips.
Coughing up blood
Expelling blood or blood-tinged mucus from the lungs or airways.
Seek immediate emergency care if you cough up blood, especially if it's large amounts or accompanied by severe shortness of breath.
Persistent dry cough
(respiratory)A chronic cough that does not produce significant mucus and lasts for weeks.
Frequency: 65-75% of patients
Chest discomfort
(respiratory)Pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest area, often worsening with deep breathing.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Wheezing
(respiratory)A high-pitched whistling sound when breathing, particularly during exhalation.
Frequency: 35-45% of patients
Fatigue
(constitutional)Persistent tiredness and lack of energy that does not improve with rest.
Frequency: 50-60% of patients
Low-grade fever
(constitutional)A mild fever, typically between 99-101°F (37-38°C), that may come and go.
Frequency: 30-40% of patients
Unexplained weight loss
(constitutional)Losing weight without trying, often due to underlying inflammation or metabolic changes.
Frequency: 15-20% of patients
Night sweats
(constitutional)Excessive sweating during sleep that may soak through clothing or bedding.
Frequency: 10-15% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
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
Anti-inflammatory therapy
Corticosteroid or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to reduce inflammation affecting alveolar-capillary permeability and normalize protein levels in bronchoalveolar fluid.
Respiratory therapy and management
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Serial bronchoscopy with BAL
Regular monitoring through repeat bronchoalveolar lavage to track protein level changes and guide further treatment decisions.
Additional treatment options
Smoking cessation program
Comprehensive smoking cessation support including counseling and nicotine replacement therapy to eliminate airway irritants contributing to abnormal fluid dynamics.
lifestyleAntibiotic therapy
Empiric or targeted antibiotic treatment when infection is suspected as a contributing factor to abnormal bronchoalveolar protein levels.
medicationDiagnostic lung biopsy
Surgical or CT-guided biopsy to obtain tissue for definitive diagnosis when fluid analysis is inconclusive.
procedureWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Bronchoalveolar Fluid Protein Level C5397967?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Ryu JH, Olson EJ, Midthun DE, Swensen SJ. Diagnostic approach to the patient with diffuse lung disease. Mayo Clin Proc. 2002;77(11):1221-1227.
Meyer KC, Raghu G, Baughman RP, et al. An official American Thoracic Society clinical practice guideline: the clinical utility of bronchoalveolar lavage cellular analysis in interstitial lung disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2012;185(9):1004-1014.
Davidson KR, El-Mallawany J, Mukhopadhyay S. Bronchoalveolar lavage: a review of the clinical utility and technique. J Asthma Allergy. 2021;14:345-354.
Richer BC, Boulet LP, Laviolette M, Cormier Y. Bronchoalveolar lavage in interstitial lung disease. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 1999;5(5):267-272.
Walters EH, Bhattacharjee P, Pearson J, Gove J. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid protein profiles in diffuse lung disease. Eur Respir J. 1988;1(5):415-420.
Thompson AB, Robbins RA, Romberger DJ, et al. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid proteins in lung disease. Eur Respir J. 1992;5(5):529-537.
Murray JF, Nadel JA, Mason RJ, Broaddus VC, King TE Jr. Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 6th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2016.
British Thoracic Society. British Thoracic Society guidelines on diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy. Thorax. 2001;56(Suppl 1):i1-i21.
Costabel U, Guzman J, Bonella L, Oshimo S. Bronchoalveolar lavage in other interstitial lung diseases. Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 2007;28(5):514-524.
Kanner RE, Connett JE, Altose MD, et al. Studies of bronchoalveolar lavage in COPD. Chest. 1997;111(6):1515-1521.
Medication Comparisons
Compare medications used to treat Abnormal Bronchoalveolar Fluid Protein Level C5397967. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.
View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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