Pneumonitis

Alternative Names

Pneumonitis, pneumonia

What is Pneumonitis

Pneumonitis is a condition when lung tissue is inflamed. Pneumonia is a type of pneumonitis. The causes of lung inflammation are different. Exposure to airborne irritants accelerates pneumonitis.

The major types of pneumonitis are:

• Aspiration pneumonitis which develops when foreign matter (vomitus or water) enters the airways and lungs
• Chemical pneumonitis which results from inhaling toxic fumes
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis which is an immune reaction to an inhaled substance
• Radiation pneumonitis which is a side effect of radiation therapy to the chest and lower neck

Signs and symptoms

The most common symptoms of pneumonitis are:

• Shortness of breath
• Dry cough
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Unintentional weight loss

Possible complications

If pneumonitis is undetected or left untreated, it may gradually develop to chronic pneumonitis or irreversible lung damage. Chronic inflammation of the thin tissue lining each air sac can produce the air sacs scar and become inflexible. This is called pulmonary fibrosis. In severe cases pulmonary fibrosis can cause heart failure, respiratory failure or even death.

What causes

Pneumonitis happens when some irritants influence the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs and they become inflamed. This inflammation arises problems with the delivery of oxygen to your bloodstream.

A variety of irritants may cause pneumonitis such as:

• Drugs including some antibiotics, several types of chemotherapy drugs and medications that keep your heartbeat regular
• Molds
• Birds' feathers or bird excrement
• Radiation therapy and other treatments

Prevention

To prevent pneumonitis you should reduce the risk of exposure to dangerous chemicals and other irritants. Household chemicals should be used only as directed and always in well-ventilated areas. Do not mix ammonia and bleach. The appropriate breathing mask should be worn.

Treatment

Treatment for pneumonitis depends on the certain type of the disease. Corticosteroid medications relieve inflammation and allow the lungs to return to normal function. The doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to treat secondary infection if present or when the cause of the pneumonitis is bacterial infection. Elimination of airborne irritants prevents the risk of pneumonitis recurrence. In most cases people recover fully and without complications after the inflammation subsides.