pneumonitis

pneumonitis

 [noo″mo-ni´tis]

inflammation of the lung; see also pneumonia.

hypersensitivity pneumonitis a respiratory hypersensitivity reaction to repeated inhalation of organic particles, usually in an occupational setting, with onset a few hours after exposure to the allergen. Many different substances are potential causes of the condition; see bagassosis, farmer's lung, and pigeon breeder's lung. Characteristics include fever, fatigue, chills, unproductive cough, tachycardia, and tachypnea; in the chronic form there is interstitial fibrosis with collagenous thickening of the alveolar septa. Called also extrinsic allergic alveolitis.

radiation pneumonitis lung inflammation resulting from radiation exposure, usually radiation therapy, with coughing, dyspnea, and alveolar infiltration of secretions, leading to mild to severe or even fatal fibrosis 6 to 9 months after the exposure.

pneu·mo·ni·tis

(nū'mō-nī'tis),

Inflammation of the lungs.
See also: pneumonia.

Synonym(s): pulmonitis

[G. pneumōn, lung, + -itis, inflammation]

pneumonitis

/pneu·mo·ni·tis/ (noo″mo-ni´tis) inflammation of the lung; see also pneumonia.

---

hypersensitivity pneumonitis  extrinsic allergic alveolitis; a hypersensitivity reaction to repeated inhalation of organic particles, usually on the job, with onset a few hours after exposure to the allergen.

pneumonitis

(no͞o′mə-nī′tĭs, nyo͞o′-)

n.

Inflammation of lung tissue.

pneumonitis

[no̅o̅′mənī′tis] pl. pneumonitides

Etymology: Gk, pneumon + itis

inflammation of the lung. Pneumonitis may be caused by a virus or may be a hypersensitivity reaction to chemicals or organic dusts, such as bacteria, bird droppings, or molds. It is usually an interstitial, granulomatous, fibrosing inflammation of the lung, especially of the bronchioles and alveoli. Dry cough is a common symptom. Treatment depends on the cause but includes removal of any offending agents and administration of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Compare pneumonia.

pneumonitis

Pulmonology Inflammation of lung tissue. See Chemical pneumonitis, Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis, Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, Radiation pneumonitis, Reflux pneumonitis, Rheumatoid pneumonitis.

pneu·mo·ni·tis

(nū'mō-nī'tis)

Inflammation of the lungs.
See also: pneumonia
Synonym(s): pulmonitis.

[G. pneumōn, lung, + -itis, inflammation]

pneumonitis

Inflammation of the lungs from any cause, including ALLERGY. See PNEUMONIA.

Pneumonitis (aspiration)

Inflammation of the lung caused by inhaling a liquid, usually carbon based.

Mentioned in: Corticosteroids, Systemic, Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

pneu·mo·ni·tis

(nū'mō-nī'tis)

Inflammation of the lungs.
See also: pneumonia
Synonym(s): pulmonitis.

[G. pneumōn, lung, + -itis, inflammation]

pneumonitis

inflammation of lung tissue. See also pneumonia.

---

feline pneumonitis

see feline pneumonitis.

hypersensitivity pneumonitis

a local type III hypersensitivity reaction resulting from inhalation of antigens, seen in cattle fed moldy hay and the group of diseases in humans that includes farmer's lung and bird-fancier's lung.

Patient discussion about pneumonitis

Q. PNEUMONIA is it viral or bacterial

A. Most importantly, it's crucial to get it cleared up as soon as possible. When I had it years ago, taking elderberry worked far better I felt than taking an antibiotic in which case my pneumonia didn't budge.
Elderberry can be taking by the tincture or oil being placed in a hot cup of tea and sipping frequently. It helps to loosen the congestion.

Q. What is pneumonia? Is pneumonia a simple cold gone bad or is it something else?

A. The common cold, the flu, and pneumonia can have similar symptoms.
The common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by a virus. A cold almost always starts with a scratchy throat and stuffiness in the nose. Gradually other symptoms appear--sneezing, a mild sore throat, sometimes a minor headache and coughing. Runny noses are a common feature of colds. In small children fevers can occur.
The flu is an infection in the nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs caused by influenza viruses A and B. Fever, chills, headache, achy muscles and fatigue all seem to come at once when you have the flu.
Pneumonia is an infection of the bronchial tubes and tiny air sacs in the lungs. Pneumonia is usually caused by a virus or bacteria. Symptoms begin suddenly with severe chills and a high fever. This infection typically follows a cold or flu. The person starts feeling better and then the symptoms suddenly worsen.

Q. How is pneumonia diagnosed? Quite a few of my son's classmates have caught pneumonia. How can I know if my son caught it too? How is pneumonia diagnosed?

A. When the doctor examines the patient and hears coarse breathing or crackling sounds when listening to a portion of the chest with a stethoscope, he can suspect Pneumonia. There may be wheezing, or the sounds of breathing may be faint in a particular area of the chest. A chest x-ray is usually ordered to confirm the diagnosis of pneumonia. There are more tests that can be done if the diagnosis has not been confirmed by the above tests.