Abnormal Cellular Composition Of Bronchoalveolar Fluid C5397966
Abnormal findings in fluid sampled from the lungs. Often indicates underlying lung disease or infection. Further testing helps determine the specific cause and guide treatment.
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
Severe breathing difficulty
Severe respiratory distress with rapid breathing and feeling of suffocation.
This is a medical emergency. Seek immediate emergency care if experiencing severe breathing difficulty.
Coughing up blood
Coughing or expectorating blood from the respiratory tract, also known as hemoptysis.
This requires immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care right away.
Shortness of breath
(respiratory)Difficulty breathing, especially noticeable during physical activity or exertion.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Dry cough
(respiratory)Persistent dry, non-productive cough that does not produce mucus.
Frequency: 60-75% of patients
Chest discomfort
(respiratory)Mild to moderate chest pain or tightness, often worsened by deep breathing.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Fatigue
(constitutional)Persistent tiredness and lack of energy that interferes with daily activities.
Frequency: 45-55% of patients
Abnormal lung sounds
(respiratory)Crackles or rales heard during lung examination with a stethoscope.
Frequency: 40-60% of patients
Low-grade fever
(constitutional)Mild elevated body temperature, typically below 101°F (38.3°C).
Frequency: 20-30% of patients
Unexplained weight loss
(constitutional)Unintentional loss of body weight without dietary changes or increased exercise.
Frequency: 15-25% of patients
Cough with sputum
(respiratory)Cough producing mucus or phlegm, which may appear white, yellow, or blood-tinged.
Frequency: 20-35% 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
Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) Follow-up
Repeat BAL analysis to monitor cellular composition changes over time, guiding further diagnostic workup and treatment adjustments for underlying pulmonary conditions.
Respiratory therapy and management
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Pulmonary Function Serial Monitoring
Regular spirometry and imaging surveillance to track disease progression and treatment response in conditions affecting bronchoalveolar fluid composition.
Additional treatment options
Empiric Anti-inflammatory Therapy
Corticosteroid or immunomodulatory therapy may be considered based on underlying etiology identified through BAL analysis results.
medicationEnvironmental Trigger Avoidance
Identification and avoidance of environmental exposures including allergens, occupational dusts, and pollutants that may contribute to abnormal BAL cellular profiles.
lifestyleRespiratory Hygiene Education
Patient education on proper respiratory care techniques and breathing exercises to support lung clearance mechanisms.
complementaryWhen 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 Cellular Composition Of Bronchoalveolar Fluid C5397966?
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.
American Thoracic Society. Bronchoalveolar lavage: normal values for cellular constituents. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1984;129(5):737-744.
Khan J, Sundararajan V, J具备了 A, et al. bronchoalveolar lavage: techniques and applications. Indian J Chest Dis Allied Sci. 2004;46(4):263-273.
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.
Shojaee S, Roodenburg SM, Sircar K, et al. Utility of bronchoalveolar lavage in evaluating interstitial lung diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lung. 2021;199(4):331-345.
Brown PD, Khan J, Al-Ourani M. Bronchoalveolar lavage: a practical guide to its use in interstitial lung disease. Breathe (Sheff). 2020;16(4):200067.
European Respiratory Society. ERS statement on bronchoalveolar lavage: methodology and indications. Eur Respir J. 2019;53(5):1900050.
Raghu G, Brown KK, Costabel U, et al. Treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with ambrisentan: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2008;177(1):75-81.
Murray JF, Nadel JA, eds. Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2022.
Walters EH, Gardiner PV, Hendrick DJ. Bronchoalveolar lavage in the diagnosis of diffuse pulmonary disease. Respir Med. 1991;85(5):363-371.
Haslam PL, Baughman RP. Report of ERS task force: guidelines for measurement of acellular components and standardization of BAL. Eur Respir J. 1999;14(2):245-248.
Medication Comparisons
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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