Definition

Noun: * Inflammation of the lungs: A condition characterized by inflammation of the lung tissue, often specifically the walls of the alveoli (air sacs). It is typically caused by a virus or an allergic reaction, and is distinguished from pneumonia, which usually involves an infectious agent and fluid in the alveoli.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The patient was diagnosed with pneumonitis after experiencing a persistent cough and shortness of breath following exposure to mold.
  • Radiation therapy to the chest can sometimes lead to a side effect known as radiation pneumonitis.
  • Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an allergic reaction in the lungs caused by inhaling certain organic dusts.

Advanced Usage

• "Hypersensitivity pneumonitis": A specific type of pneumonitis caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled organic dusts, such as mold, bird droppings, or certain chemicals. It is also known as "extrinsic allergic alveolitis."
  • Farmers are at risk for developing hypersensitivity pneumonitis from moldy hay.
• "Radiation pneumonitis": Inflammation of the lungs that can occur as a complication of radiation therapy directed at the chest area.
  • The oncologist monitored her closely for signs of radiation pneumonitis.

Variants and Related Words

• Pneumonia (n): An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus. While related, pneumonia is specifically an infection, whereas pneumonitis is a broader term for lung inflammation.
• Alveolitis (n): Inflammation of the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs. This is a key component of pneumonitis.
• Bronchiolitis (n): Inflammation of the bronchioles, the smallest airways in the lungs. This condition is different from but can be associated with pneumonitis.

Synonyms

• Pulmonary inflammation: A more general term for inflammation of the lung tissue.
• Interstitial lung disease: A broad category of disorders that cause inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) of the lung tissue; some forms of chronic pneumonitis fall under this category.

Related Phrases

• Chemical pneumonitis: Inflammation of the lungs caused by inhaling irritating or toxic chemicals.
  • Inhalation of chlorine gas can cause acute chemical pneumonitis.
• Lupus pneumonitis: Inflammation of the lungs associated with the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Noun

1. inflammation of the lungs; caused by a virus or an allergic reaction