Despite the fact that the development of modern medicine in recent years has advanced far, there are many poorly understood diseases. One of them is the alveolitis of the lungs.
Let's talk about the causes of its occurrence, methods of diagnosis and treatment, as well as possible preventive measures. In addition, we will discuss in which cases it is important to contact the pulmonology center on time.
What are alveoli
Alveoli are the smallest particles of the respiratory apparatus. They are the terminal parts of the lungs and are in the form of small vesicles. Separated by interveolar septa.
Alveoli - this is the part of the lungs that performs a protective function. They contain cells that impede the progression of microbes and other pathogens throughout the body. However, their main function is respiratory. Thanks to the alveoli, the maximum amount of oxygen enters the lungs and carbon dioxide is excreted.
What is alveolitis
Alveolitis of the lungs is a disease that is characterized by damage to the alveoli and proliferation of connective tissue in their walls.
The disease leads to malfunctioning of the respiratory apparatus. As a result, all other organs begin to receive less oxygen, and this leads to a decrease in their functionality due to disturbances in cell metabolism.
Alveolitis can occur both independently and in combination with other diseases.
Types of Alveolitis
There are three forms of alveolitis. Let's consider each of them in a little more detail.
Idiopathic Fibrosing Alveolitis
This type of disease is quite rare. Science has not yet determined the exact causes of its occurrence. It is only known that fibrosing alveolitis is most often found in men after 50 years. The main factors that contribute to the development of pathology are considered environmental, professional and living conditions.
Idiopathic alveolitis most often develops in people who often smoke, farm (breeding birds) or deal with metal, wood, silicate or asbestos dust.
The appearance of the disease is preceded by the accumulation of effector cells in the airspace. As a result, this process causes an inflammatory reaction, as well as interstitial and intraveolar edema. At the same time, damage to the alveolar epithelium and the accumulation of hyaline membrane complexes occur, which complicates tissue expansion during inspiration.
Exogenous Allergic Alveolitis
The disease develops as a result of accumulation in the alveoli of sediment, which consists of allergens of exogenous origin and immunoglobulins. At the same time, the lungs and bronchi themselves remain unaffected.
This process can be provoked by frequent inhalation of dust of a complex composition. For example, this can happen during work in production, in particular this applies to firms that are engaged in agriculture. Also, exogenous alveolitis can occur as a result of living in unfavorable environmental or domestic conditions, where dust mites, mold and yeast-like mushrooms, vegetable and animal proteins, washing powders and other products containing enzymes are allergens.
In children, the disease can develop on the background of bronchial asthma.
Toxic Fibrosing Alveolitis
The disease occurs as a result of the ingestion of substances that have a significant toxic effect on the lungs. At the same time, they can come both during inspiration, and through the blood.
Substances that can cause toxic alveolitis include:
- Gases (chlorine, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, carbon tetrachloride); harmful industrial substances: mineral materials (asbestos, cement), metals and their compounds (manganese, iron, zinc, cadmium, mercury); synthetics (polyurethane, herbicides).
- Medicines: immunosuppressants, antitumor agents, nitrofurans, sulfonamides.
In many cases, a combination of toxic effects with the appearance of an allergic reaction is observed. As a result of this, the disease is very difficult, and treatment of alveolitis takes much longer.
Causes
When considering the types of disease, we noticed that there are many factors that contribute to its appearance.
Combining the information already received and supplementing it, we can distinguish some of the main reasons for the development of alveolitis:
- heredity;
- ingestion of viruses (hepatitis C, herpes, adenoviruses);
- gastrointestinal reflux;
- interaction with allergens (drugs, pollen, animal hair, cosmetics and others);
- intoxication of the body with chemicals;
- transferred radioactive radiation in the chest area;
- smoking;
- living in adverse conditions;
- bronchial asthma (in children).
Who is at risk
According to statistics, the most susceptible to the disease:
- men
- people over 50 years old;
- people prone to allergic reactions;
- those who live in poor conditions and polluted industrial areas.
All of them need to monitor their health with special care.
Symptoms of Alveolitis
As with any other disease, the symptoms of alveolitis can vary depending on the etiology of the disease and other adverse factors described above. But still there are some "classic" manifestations. These include:
- shortness of breath, which becomes stronger after physical exertion and eating;
- temperature rise;
- pain in the chest area under the shoulder blades;
- joint and muscle pain;
- sharp and unreasonable weight loss;
- weakness throughout the body;
- an increase in the size of the final phalanges of the fingers.
These signs are a good reason to visit the center of pulmonology for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis of the disease
Before starting treatment for alveolitis, it is important to undergo a diagnosis, which will include a number of tests and studies.
It is necessary to go and pass:
- provocative skin tests;
- lung biopsy ;
- radiography of the lungs;
- computed tomography of the lungs;
- histological studies;
- magnetic resonance imaging of the lungs;
- bronchoscopy;
- general blood analysis.
Based on the results, the pulmonologist will decide on the necessary type of therapy to get rid of the disease.
Alveolitis Treatment
The choice of the necessary type of treatment depends on the form and type of the disease.
In case of toxic and allergic alveolitis, it is necessary to immediately stop the interaction with the substance that provoked the appearance of the disease. Next, glucocorticoid hormone therapy is prescribed in the form of inhalations or oral administration of tablets. With a severe and advanced form of the disease, cytostatics are necessary, which will inhibit the process of cell multiplication in connective tissue.
In the case of fibrosing alveolitis, the course of treatment lasts at least 6 months. Throughout this period, the patient will have to take tests and undergo regular studies so that the doctor can track the dynamics of recovery, evaluate the results of therapy and, if necessary, adjust it. This will help to avoid the development of inflammatory processes and complications.
Regardless of the type of disease, treatment of alveolitis involves taking medications that will thin the sputum and promote expectoration, as well as vitamin and mineral complexes. Mandatory is conducting medical gymnastics. It will also include breathing exercises.
In addition, if necessary, symptomatic therapy is carried out.
Preventive measures
Treatment of alveolitis can be quite a complicated process, especially in cases where the disease is neglected and is in serious form. Therefore, it is worthwhile to adhere to some preventive measures that will help prevent its development.
First of all, this is the timely treatment of all lung diseases in order to avoid complications.
Secondly, you should abandon the bad habit of smoking.
Thirdly, it is important to limit interactions with allergens, toxic and chemicals.
And last but not least, regular breathing exercises.
It is important to remember that with the appearance of alveolitis, in no case should you self-medicate! Only an experienced specialist will be able to correctly diagnose the disease and prescribe the most effective form of therapy.
Be healthy!