interstitial pneumonia
Noun: - A chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) of the interstitium, the tissue and space surrounding the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. This thickening of the interstitium stiffens the lungs, making it difficult for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream.
This is a medical term used to describe a specific category of lung disorders. It is typically used in clinical, diagnostic, and academic contexts. - Interstitial pneumonia is often diagnosed using high-resolution CT scans and lung biopsies. - The prognosis for a patient with interstitial pneumonia depends on the specific subtype.
- The patient's persistent dry cough and shortness of breath were eventually attributed to .
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a severe and progressive form of .
- Treatment for may include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
- "Usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)": A specific histopathological and radiological pattern, most commonly associated with the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
- "Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP)": Another distinct pattern that often has a better response to treatment than UIP.
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD): A broader umbrella term that encompasses along with other disorders affecting the lung interstitium.
- Pneumonitis: A more general term for inflammation of lung tissue, which can include interstitial inflammation.
- Diffuse parenchymal lung disease (a less common synonym in clinical practice).
- Interstitial lung disease (broader category).
It is crucial to distinguish interstitial pneumonia from more common types of pneumonia (like bacterial or community-acquired pneumonia), which primarily involve infection and fluid filling the air sacs themselves. Interstitial pneumonia primarily involves the tissue between the air sacs.
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chronic lung disease affecting the interstitial tissue of the lungs
