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Interstitial Lung Diseases
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Normal |
Abnormal |
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- The interstitium refers to the lung
tissue that supports the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs
where air is exchanged). There are 180 different diseases
that can cause interstitial lung disease. Some of the causes
are listed below. Often the cause is
unknown.
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- Slow onset of shortness of breath on exertion
- Slow onset of a dry
cough
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- Silicates
- Asbestos
- Carbon
- Beryllium
- Hard metal Dusts
- Chemotherapy
- Antibiotics
- Gold
- Dilantin
- Amiodarone
- Penicillin
- Paraquat (poison)
- Organic dusts
- Radiation
- Infections:
- Viral Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
- Fungal Pneumonia
- Pneumocystis carinii
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- Chest examination reveals fine inspiratory crackles.
- Clubbing of fingers may be present on examination.
- Pulmonary function tests show a restrictive pattern and decreased diffusing capacity.
- Arterial blood gas or pulse oximetry will show hypoxemia (decrease blood oxygen).
- Chest X-Ray -- ground glass or reticular nodular infiltrates. Honeycombing may occur in late disease.
- CT scan of the chest may be helpful.
- Lung biopsy will confirm the diagnosis (usually by Bronchoscopy without
surgery)
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