Pulmonary parenchyma is a term used in medicine to mean part of the respiratory organ. It consists of alveoli, pulmonary interstitium, vascular network, as well as bronchi. If the patient was prescribed computed tomography, then this area will have a uniform structure and a gray tint. Against this background, a specialist can easily distinguish small vessels, examine the bronchi, and identify violations. The density of the fabric should be uniform, ranging from -700 to -900 HU. If there are any deviations in the indicators, then this indicates the development of pathology and urgent intervention is required. Treatment is prescribed exclusively by a specialist, self-treatment should be completely excluded.
What is “lung parenchyma compaction syndrome”?
This disorder is not so often diagnosed and is a complex symptom that is characterized by pathological processes in the lung tissue under the influence of various pathogenetic mechanisms. Compaction can be observed with inflammatory infiltration of various etiologies, as well as as a result of edema of this section of the respiratory organ, with atelectasis, pulmonary infarction, due to the occurrence of a proliferative process.
Changes in lung parenchyma may not be in the entire area, but only in some segments and lobes. Such pathological processes in most cases are one-sided, but there are exceptions. Only a specialist can determine on the basis of the survey results.
It is worth considering the fact that at the initial stage of compaction, a small amount of air is still present in the pulmonary parenchyma. As the deviation develops, it will resolve.
Pathophysiological mechanisms
Compaction is observed as a result of various pathological processes that occur in the body. It occurs due to:
- The development of pneumonia, pulmonary edema.
- The absence of air in a certain segment or share of the pulmonary parenchyma due to blockage of the bronchial lumen, as a result, poor-quality blood saturation of this area is observed.
- The development of replacement or neoplastic processes in the respiratory organ.
As mentioned above, the seal is one-sided as well as two-sided. The second type of deviation is diagnosed in patients as a result of processes such as edema, poisoning of the body with a variety of asphyxiating substances and gases, bilateral pneumonia.
Unilateral compaction of the lung parenchyma can develop due to croupous pneumonia, focal tissue fibrosis, tuberculosis, a heart attack of this respiratory organ, cancerous lesions with atelectasis, complications in the form of bronchial obstruction.
Symptomatology
This compaction syndrome, like other diseases and pathologies, is accompanied by relevant signs that will help with diagnosis. When the first symptoms appear, you should immediately contact the clinic for qualified help, while avoiding self-medication.
In this situation, the patient may complain about:
- discomfort in the chest area;
- feeling of heaviness;
- trembling voice;
- noise and wheezing when breathing.
Also, with pathological processes in the lung parenchyma, the patient may also notice symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and appetite problems. Such deviations worsen the general condition, quality of life and cause considerable discomfort. The syndrome in most cases is combined with intoxication, and if an extensive damage to the tissues of the respiratory organ is diagnosed, then pulmonary failure is observed in parallel.
How is the diagnosis carried out?
To make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe high-quality treatment, it is recommended to carry out differential diagnostics, which is multi-stage and differs in considerable complexity. To determine pulmonary parenchyma syndrome, a specialist recommends undergoing such examinations as:
- CT scan.
- X-ray (instead of CT).
- Blood chemistry.
Attention is also paid to concomitant diseases that develop in the body and provoke a deviation. Other types of examinations may be prescribed depending on this.
Compaction of the lung parenchyma: treatment
Therapy for this deviation is of two types - etiotropic and pathogenetic. Mandatory treatment is carried out, which eliminates concomitant pathologies, that is, provocative factors. It is recommended that the patient take antibacterial drugs, pay attention to detoxification methods, and adjust respiratory and hemodynamic disorders. This technique is suitable in the presence of pneumonia and is carried out immediately.
If the causes of the deviation are established correctly and in a timely manner, then the therapy will have a positive tendency, and will lead to a significant improvement in the condition. Be sure to eat right, abandon bad habits, follow the recommendations of a specialist.