Alveolar lung disease

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Alveolar lung disease
Alveolus diagram.svg
Synonyms Alveolar disease
Pronounce N/A
Specialty Pulmonology
Symptoms Shortness of breath, cough, hypoxemia
Complications Respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension
Onset Varies depending on cause
Duration Acute or chronic
Types N/A
Causes Infection, inflammation, autoimmune disease, inhalation of toxic substances
Risks Smoking, occupational exposure, genetic predisposition
Diagnosis Chest X-ray, CT scan, pulmonary function test, bronchoscopy
Differential diagnosis Interstitial lung disease, pneumonia, pulmonary edema
Prevention N/A
Treatment Oxygen therapy, corticosteroids, antibiotics, immunosuppressive drugs
Medication N/A
Prognosis Varies; depends on underlying cause and response to treatment
Frequency Common, varies by specific condition
Deaths N/A


Overview of alveolar lung disease


Overview[edit | edit source]

Diagram of an alveolus, the basic unit affected in alveolar lung disease.

Alveolar lung disease refers to a group of disorders that primarily affect the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. These diseases can lead to impaired gas exchange and respiratory distress.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

The alveoli are crucial for efficient gas exchange in the lungs. In alveolar lung disease, the structure or function of the alveoli is compromised. This can occur due to inflammation, infection, or accumulation of fluid or other substances within the alveoli. The disruption of normal alveolar function can lead to decreased oxygenation of the blood and increased levels of carbon dioxide.

Types of Alveolar Lung Disease[edit | edit source]

Alveolar lung diseases can be classified into several types based on their etiology:

Infectious[edit | edit source]

  • Pneumonia: An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus.

Non-infectious[edit | edit source]

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Common symptoms of alveolar lung disease include:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of alveolar lung disease typically involves:

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the alveolar lung disease:

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis of alveolar lung disease varies widely depending on the specific condition and its severity. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.

Related pages[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD