Acute interstitial pneumonitis Save

What is Acute Interstitial Pneumonitis?

Acute interstitial pneumonitis (AIP) is a rare and severe form of lung injury that affects the interstitial tissue of the lungs. The interstitium is the tissue that supports the air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged during respiration. In AIP, the interstitial tissue becomes inflamed, leading to difficulty breathing and impaired oxygenation of the blood.

Causes of Acute Interstitial Pneumonitis

The underlying cause of AIP is unknown, but it is believed to be triggered by an immune response to an unknown inhaled or systemic antigen. This immune response causes inflammation and damage to the interstitial tissue of the lungs. While AIP can occur at any age, it is most commonly seen in middle-aged adults.

Symptoms of Acute Interstitial Pneumonitis

The symptoms of AIP can develop rapidly over a few days to weeks and can include:

1. Shortness of breath
2. Cough
3. Fever
4. Fatigue
5. Rapid breathing
6. Chest pain

Diagnosis of Acute Interstitial Pneumonitis

The diagnosis of AIP is made through a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Chest X-rays and CT scans can reveal the characteristic pattern of lung inflammation and damage seen in AIP. Lung biopsy may also be needed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of lung injury.

Treatment of Acute Interstitial Pneumonitis

There is no specific treatment for AIP, and management is supportive. Oxygen therapy is often necessary to maintain adequate levels of oxygen in the blood. Mechanical ventilation may be needed in severe cases. Corticosteroids have been used in some cases, but their effectiveness is uncertain and their use is controversial.

Conclusion

Acute interstitial pneumonitis is a rare and severe form of lung injury with unknown causes. It is characterized by inflammation and damage to the interstitial tissue of the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and impaired oxygenation of the blood. Treatment is mostly supportive, and there is no specific cure for the disease.