Lung GVHD, also called bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), usually has no obvious symptoms in its early stage. It is, therefore, very important to have periodic pulmonary function tests done in the first few years after transplant so that lung GVHD can be detected early when treatment is most effective
Symptoms
Chronic GVHD sometimes affects the airway passages in the lungs. It often occurs after a viral infection. Also called bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), lung GVHD may cause:
- dry cough
- a cough that persists after a cold for longer than 2-4 weeks
- wheezing
- shortness of breath, even with light activities
- feeling like you can’t take a deep breath
Treatment
If you have GVHD in your lungs, your doctor may treat you with:
- steroid inhalers
- bronchodilators
- montelukast
- azithromycin
- belumosudil
- extracorporeal photopheresis
- prednisone
Take Action!
- Talk to your doctor about scheduling periodic pulmonary function tests to monitor for lung GVHD, particularly during the first two years after transplant.
- If you are having breathing difficulties, let your doctor know immediately. The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome.
- Avoid smoking tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and marijuana, as these can make the symptoms worse.
- Protect against lung infections. Be sure your vaccinations are up to date and that you get your yearly flu shot and the COVID vaccine unless your transplant doctor recommends otherwise.
Click here to watch a video about lung GVHD.
(To view this page in Spanish click here.)
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Updated December 2024
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