Respiratory system >>>> What is Interstitial pneumonia?

What is Interstitial pneumonia?

Interstitial pneumonia is a consequence of infectious and inflammatory processes in the lung tissue, when, as a result of the body's immune reactions, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and other cellular immune agents in the form of an infiltrate accumulate in the stroma (interstitial tissue of the lungs). The result of such an accumulation is inflammation of the interstitial tissue and the formation of connective tissue fibers, which cause sclerosis of the pulmonary interstitial tissue.

Interstitial pneumonia is caused by various kinds of infectious diseases (viral, fungal, bacterial) and can occur as a complication of any of the types of respiratory infections or acute pneumonia.

Interstitial pneumonia signs:

Develops slowly (one to three years);
It is characterized by an unproductive cough;
Shortness of breath progresses;
Subfebrile temperature may be observed;
There is a feeling of incomplete inhalation or lack of air;
When listening to the lungs, crepitus (creaking) is determined;
Gradually crepitus is heard in various parts of the lungs;
In the study of lung capacity, reduced indicators of vital capacity of the lungs (VC) are revealed;
Gradually, signs of cyanosis appear (blue discoloration of the red border of the lips, phalanges of the fingers).

When diagnosing interstitial pneumonia, they rely on the indications of computed tomography of the lungs: the lesion of the lung tissue in the picture resembles frosted glass and / or honeycomb. At the stage of "cellular lungs" signs of cardiopulmonary insufficiency begin to appear. An accurate diagnosis of the disease is carried out jointly by a pulmonologist, a radiologist and a thoracic surgeon.

The success of interstitial pneumonia treatment depends on the degree of lung tissue change (ground glass or honeycomb). For treatment, corticosteroids, fluoroquinols and cyclosporins, antioxidants (alpha-tocopherol) are used. When making a forecast, it should be borne in mind that fibroproliferative processes in the lungs (replacement of lung tissue with connective tissue) are irreversible and treatment is aimed at slowing down these processes.