This disease is characterized by bilateral damage to the lung tissue and alveoli, followed by the development of pulmonary fibrosis and respiratory failure. We will clarify in this article the symptoms of the disease, its types and existing methods of treatment.
Causes of fibrosing alveolitis
Until now, there are no exact causes of the disease. Among the assumed factors:
- autoimmune disorders;
- viruses (herpes, adenovirus, hepatitis C , cytomegalovirus);
- geographical location;
- heredity;
- professional features;
- ecological picture of the place of residence;
- smoking.
Symptoms of fibrosing alveolitis
The disease develops gradually, so the first signs are often invisible to the patient. Initially, there is a slight dyspnea, which is exacerbated by physical exertion. With the passage of time, shortness of breath becomes stronger and occurs more often, there is a rare dry cough . In addition, the symptoms are such as weight loss, pain in the chest and under the shoulder blades, difficulty breathing (inability to breathe deeply), joint pain and muscle, slightly elevated body temperature. Also, external manifestations of the alveolitis are possible, for example, changes in the structure and color of the nails, and the appearance of strips on the plates. In addition, in the last stages of the disease there are swelling, swelling of the veins on the neck.
Classification of the disease
There are 3 types of fibrosing alveolitis:
- Idiopathic.
- Exogenous.
- Toxic.
Let's consider each of them in more detail.
Idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis
This form of the disease includes interstitial fibrosing alveolitis, also called interstitial pneumonia. Inflammatory processes in the alveoli of the lungs cause a thickening of the walls, and as a result - a decrease in the permeability of tissues for gas exchange. Further there is swelling of the alveoli and fibrosis of the lung tissue. The acute stage of idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis is characterized by the defeat of the epithelium and capillaries, the formation of rigid membrane compounds that do not allow the alveolar tissue to expand with inspiration.
Exogenous fibrosing alveolitis
The emergence of this form of the disease is caused by a prolonged intense exposure to lung tissue and alveoli of animal allergens, medicinal or plant origin.
Patients experience chills, headaches, cough with sputum, muscle and joint pain, vasomotor rhinitis.
Toxic fibrosing alveolitis
The pathological process in this type of alveolitis develops due to the penetration of toxins from medicinal chemicals and production facilities into the lung tissue.
Symptoms are similar to previous forms of the disease, only its course is significantly accelerated and rapidly develops into an acute stage.
Treatment of fibrosing alveolitis
Therapy includes stopping the development of the disease, stopping inflammation and supporting therapy. Treatment Scheme:
- antifibrotic preparations;
- anti-inflammatory glucocorticosteroid hormones;
- immunosuppressants;
- bronchodilators;
- decongestants;
- preparations of potassium.
As maintenance therapy, oxygen procedures, physical training are prescribed. In addition, vaccination of patients is mandatory to prevent the incidence of influenza and pneumococcal infection.
Because of the high mortality among patients diagnosed with fibrosing alveolitis, psychological assistance to patients is often required, as well as visits to special group psychotherapeutic sessions.