Pneumonitis

The term pneumonitis is an inflammatory change of the lung. However, unlike the pneumonia the triggers are no microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, but usually pneumotoxisch acting influences such as high-energy radiation or drugs, so noxious physical and chemical Article

Causes

The reason, for example, numerous medications especially those that are used as part of chemotherapy to be. The radiation therapy may in particular cause pneumonitis in the irradiated areas. Additional causes may include plant toxins or inhalation pneumotoxisch acting substances (eg, fluorocarbon compounds, cobalt or tungsten). In addition, even diseases such as uremia can in rare cases lead to pneumonitis.

Clinical appearance

The pneumonitis shows non-specific pulmonary symptoms such as usually dry cough, shortness of breath and in some cases even slight body temperature increase. The diagnosis is made ​​history and clinical symptoms accompanied by lung function test, X-ray image of the lungs, and found CT and bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage if necessary. Histologically found in this case typically the image of interstitial pneumonia.

Therapy

Treatment should, if possible, be to eliminate the effect of the causes. Symptomatic can be displayed and the administration of corticosteroids.