Pneumonitis
Pneumonitis is a general term that refers to inflammation of lung tissue Pneumonia is actually a type of pneumonitis because the infection that causes pneumonia causes inflammation, although doctors call pneumonitis inflammation of the lung tissues from other causes.
Pneumonitis can be caused by irritants in the air, such as work or hobby activities. Also, certain types of cancer treatments and some medications can cause pneumonitis
Difficulty breathing, often accompanied by a dry, nonproductive cough, is the most common symptom of pneumonitis. Specific tests are needed to make a diagnosis Treatment is aimed at avoiding irritants and reducing inflammation
Pneumonitis develops when an irritant reaches the small alveoli in the lungs Inflammation complicates the exchange of oxygen between the alveoli and blood vessels
Many irritants, including those in the air or those caused by chemotherapy, are associated with pneumonitis. Most patients cannot identify the type of specific irritant Possible causes of pneumonitis are:
- Medications Many medications can cause pneumonitis, including antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and antiarrhythmic drugs Aspirin overdose is also associated with pneumonitis
- Fungus and bacteria Certain fungi or bacteria can cause pneumonitis Some fungal pneumonitis have a separate name, such as "farmer's lung"
- Birds Bird feathers or droppings are common causes of pneumonitis
- Radiation therapy Some people who have had radiation therapy to the chest (for breast or lung cancer) develop pneumonitis. Pneumonitis is sometimes a result of whole-body radiation, which is used in bone marrow transplants
The most common symptom of pneumonitis is difficulty breathing, sometimes accompanied by a dry cough If pneumonitis is missed or untreated, chronic pneumonitis and associated scarring-fibrosis of the lung tissue may develop.
Signs and symptoms of pneumonitis are:
- Difficulty breathing
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Glory
- Unexplained weight loss
When
