Interstitial pneumonitis

Interstitial Pneumonitis
Specialty	Pulmonology
Symptoms	Shortness of breath, dry cough, fatigue
Complications	Respiratory failure, Pulmonary hypertension
Types	Acute, chronic
Causes	Infection, Autoimmune diseases, exposure to toxins
Risk factors	Smoking, genetics, certain medications
Diagnostic method	Chest X-ray, CT scan, Lung biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Pneumonia, Pulmonary edema, Lung cancer
Prevention	Avoidance of known toxins, smoking cessation
Treatment	Corticosteroids, Immunosuppressive drugs, oxygen therapy
Prognosis	Varies

Interstitial pneumonitis is a form of pneumonia characterized by inflammation of the interstitial tissue of the lung, leading to severe scarring (fibrosis). This condition is part of a larger group of diseases known as interstitial lung diseases, which affect the tissue and space around the air sacs of the lungs.

Causes

Interstitial pneumonitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Infections by viruses, bacteria, or fungi
• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or systemic lupus erythematosus
• Exposure to environmental and occupational irritants such as asbestos, silica, or coal dust
• Radiation therapy to the chest
• Use of certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs and heart arrhythmia medications

Symptoms

Common symptoms of interstitial pneumonitis include:

• Persistent dry cough
• Shortness of breath, especially during or after physical activity
• Fatigue and weakness
• Unintended weight loss
• Chest discomfort

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of interstitial pneumonitis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging, and sometimes invasive procedures such as a lung biopsy. Key diagnostic tools include:

• Chest X-rays
• High-resolution CT scans
• Pulmonary function tests
• Bronchoscopy with or without biopsy

Treatment

Treatment for interstitial pneumonitis focuses on reducing inflammation and preventing further lung damage. Common treatments include:

• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Immunosuppressive drugs to control the immune system
• Oxygen therapy to manage symptoms of low blood oxygen levels
• Pulmonary rehabilitation to improve lung function and quality of life

In severe cases, a lung transplant may be considered.

Prognosis

The prognosis for interstitial pneumonitis varies widely depending on the underlying cause, the severity of the disease at diagnosis, and the patient's overall health. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.

See also

• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Occupational lung disease
• Respiratory therapy