Overview
Pneumonitis (noo-MOHN-eye-tus) is general inflammation in your lungs that can affect how well you breathe and cause other bodily symptoms. It occurs when a foreign substance (irritant) inflames the small air sacs in your lungs (alveoli).
There are different types of pneumonitis inflammation. They include:
- Acute. Inflammation develops suddenly and only lasts a little while.
- Subacute. Inflammation progresses gradually and steadily.
- Chronic. Inflammation unfolds over a long period and becomes ongoing.
Is pneumonitis serious?
Yes, pneumonitis is serious. Long-term exposure to irritants that cause pneumonitis may cause permanent lung damage.
What are the types of pneumonitis?
There are different types of pneumonitis according to their cause. These include:
- Acute interstitial pneumonitis. Acute interstitial pneumonitis develops suddenly, and your symptoms quickly get worse. Healthcare providers aren’t sure what causes it.
- Chemical pneumonitis. Chemical pneumonitis develops after inhaling chemicals that appear in household or workplace products (inhalants), such as chemicals in imaging tests, chlorine gas, pesticides, gasoline and smoke.
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a type of allergy that develops when you breathe in (inhale) antigens, including bacteria, dust, molds or tiny scales from animal skin, hair or feathers (dander).
- Radiation pneumonitis. Radiation pneumonitis may occur after radiation therapy to treat cancer.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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