What causes acute interstitial pneumonitis?
Interstitial lung disease can be caused by long-term exposure to hazardous materials, such as asbestos. Some types of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, also can cause interstitial lung disease. In some cases, however, the causes remain unknown.
What is acute interstitial pneumonitis?
Acute interstitial pneumonitis (AIP) is an acute, idiopathic interstitial lung disease characterized by rapidly progressive diffuse pulmonary infiltrates and hypoxemia requiring hospitalization. The case-fatality ratio is high. Previous reports suggested that survivors of the acute event have a favorable outcome.
What is usual interstitial pneumonitis?
Usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) is a form of lung disease characterized by progressive scarring of both lungs. The scarring (fibrosis) involves the pulmonary interstitium (the supporting framework of the lung).
How is acute interstitial pneumonia treated?
Treatment of Acute Interstitial Pneumonia Corticosteroid therapy is generally used, but efficacy has not been established. Mortality is > 60%; most patients die within 6 months of presentation, and death is usually due to respiratory failure.
How do you get interstitial pneumonia?
What causes interstitial lung diseases?
- Smoking.
- Certain drugs or medicines.
- Exposure to substances at work or in the environment such as organic or inorganic dusts.
- Certain connective tissue or collagen diseases and sarcoidosis.
- Family history.
- Radiation treatment.
How is interstitial pneumonia treated?
There is no cure for ILD. Once scarring happens in the lungs, it usually cannot be reversed. Treatment can help slow the disease down to preserve as much quality of life as possible. The prognosis for patients depends on how severe the condition is, and the cause of the ILD.