The present report describes a case of diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) in a child from Western China and the favorable outcome associated with early diagnosis. DPB is an uncommon presentation in pediatric patients. A 13-year-old Chinese boy was admitted to the respiratory outpatient department due to recurrent cough and progressive exertional dyspnea that had persisted for 1 year. An initial diagnosis of bronchial asthma was made, and the patient was prescribed inhaled fluticasone combined with salmeterol (50/250 µg, twice daily), and montelukast (4 mg daily). However, 2 months later no clinical improvement was observed. The disease was re‑diagnosed as DPB following the identification of features such as centrilobular small nodular opacities, a ‘tree‑in‑bud appearance’ and thickening of the bronchial walls meeting the diagnostic criteria for DPB. Complete resolution of the disease and sustained alleviation of the patient's respiratory symptoms were achieved following the early institution of erythromycin therapy, and the exacerbation of chronic bronchitis was reduced. In conclusion, it is essential to consider that successful treatment for DPB lies in early diagnosis and early treatment. DPB may be treated well by use of erythromycin.

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