Idiopathic interstitial pneumonia

Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonia (IIP) is a group of lung diseases that affect the interstitial (tissue and space around the air sacs) of the lungs. The term "idiopathic" is used because the exact cause of these diseases is not fully understood.

Classification

IIP is classified into several subtypes, each with distinct clinical, radiographic, and pathologic characteristics. These include:

• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
• Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia (NSIP)
• Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia (COP)
• Acute Interstitial Pneumonia (AIP)
• Respiratory Bronchiolitis-Interstitial Lung Disease (RB-ILD)
• Desquamative Interstitial Pneumonia (DIP)
• Lymphoid Interstitial Pneumonia (LIP)

Symptoms

Common symptoms of IIP include shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue. In some cases, clubbing (widening and rounding) of the fingers and toes may also occur.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of IIP is often challenging and involves a combination of clinical evaluation, radiographic studies, and sometimes lung biopsy. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is often used in the diagnostic process.

Treatment

Treatment of IIP is largely dependent on the specific subtype and may include corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapy, and in severe cases, lung transplantation.

Prognosis

The prognosis of IIP varies widely depending on the subtype. Some forms, such as IPF, have a poor prognosis, while others, like COP, often respond well to treatment.

See also

• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Interstitial lung disease
• Pneumonia