What symptoms may occur with bronchial carcinoid tumors?

Bronchial carcinoid tumors, which are neuroendocrine tumors of the airway, often present with respiratory-related symptoms. Wheezing and cough are particularly relevant in the context of these tumors because they can obstruct airways, causing localized airflow obstruction. This obstruction can lead to wheezing—a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing—due to narrowed bronchial passages. Additionally, patients may experience a persistent cough as their body attempts to clear the obstruction or as a direct response to irritation within the airways caused by the tumor.

Other symptoms associated with bronchial carcinoid tumors can include hemoptysis (coughing up blood), recurrent respiratory infections, and, in some cases, symptoms related to the release of hormones from the tumor. However, the most characteristic symptoms tied to the presence of these tumors in the bronchus are respiratory in nature, making wheezing and cough the most appropriate choice in this context.