Diffuse parenchymal lung disease is one of 180 different diseases that fall into the category of interstitial lung disease. Even though diffuse parenchymal lung disease is more common in cigarette smokers than non-smokers, one does not need to be exposed to cigarette smoke to contract the disease.
Description
Diffuse parenchymal lung disease, also known more generally as interstitial lung disease, occurs when the tissues deep inside the lungs become swollen and scarred.
Causes
Causes of this disease include environmental factors, like coal dust, asbestos, silica dust or cotton dust. Other causes include diseases like lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis and sarcoidosis, or taking medications including amiodarone, bleomycin and methotrexate.
Symptoms
Symptoms include widening of the base of the fingernails, rapid breathing, dry cough, shortness of breath while at rest and during activity, blue lips, fingernails or skin due to lack of oxygen, and decreased ability to go about daily tasks.
Diagnosis / Tests
Tests for this condition include listening to breathing with a stethoscope, blood tests to measure oxygen levels, chest x-ray, CAT scan of the chest and/or various lung biopsies.
Treatment
In the early stages, anti-inflammatory drugs help ease the discomfort from the scarring. No treatment exists for this condition--just for its individual symptoms. For instance, oxygen is prescribed if blood oxygen levels are too low, and if the damage is severe, a lung transplant may be necessary.
Tags: lung disease, parenchymal lung disease, Diffuse parenchymal lung, interstitial lung, interstitial lung disease
