Desquamative interstitial pneumonia

Probably, each of us was sick at least once with various diseases of the respiratory system. It can be acute respiratory disease, a simple epidemic of influenza, as well as infectious diseases, which, most likely, we had time to transfer as a child. By the way, today from them we can be protected by reliable vaccines or inoculations, which are done strictly according to the world vaccination calendar. But in addition to infectious lung diseases, there are also inflammatory diseases, such as pneumonia, alveolitis, bronchitis, and much more. A breakthrough in science and medicine has given us reason to believe and know that with adequate treatment all these diseases safely pass. Increasingly, attention is drawn to relatively rare diseases, for example, desquamative interstitial pneumonia.

What is this so rare ailment that recently causes so many bewilderment? So, first of all, this disease with an inflammatory character, characterized, above all, by the defeat by macrophages of the airways of the lungs, more often from two sides. The reasons for the appearance of this disease are many. After all, you already know that the basis of all pulmonary diseases is smoking. It plays a major role in the occurrence of desquamative pneumonia. Usually pneumonia of this nature is manifested in middle-aged people, approximately 30-40 years. In this case, the patient may not notice any changes, because they are manifested only in the fluorography study, which is mandatory for all individuals every year.

After the small tobacco particles penetrate into the lung parenchyma and remain in it, its inflammation arises. Cells of the immune system, macrophages and lymphocytes begin to migrate to the foci of inflammation. The most active are macrophages. That is why, creating colonies in the hearth, they contribute to focal infiltration and densification of lung tissue. Sometimes, in histological studies, you can find swollen alveolar septa, as well as modified pneumocytes, the accumulation of lymphocytes. As a consequence of the severe course of this process, fibrosis can develop, which gives a characteristic picture in the X-ray examination of the lungs.

How can you suspect the onset of this disease?

Now we already know that the disease begins in males at about 40 years of age. During this time, patients get a sufficiently strong dry cough, which worries patients, usually in the morning. Soon, an increasing shortness of breath is added, which can progress and change into choking. But at first the patients do not make complaints and even gradually begin to get used to a little shortness of breath. It is noted that the symptoms of patients begin to disturb for about 2-3 years from the start. But apart from pulmonary manifestations, patients are concerned and severe joint pains. Large joints and terminal phalanges are usually affected. As the disease progresses, the terminal phalanges can change, they take the form of "drumsticks."Following pulmonary changes, there are functional disorders of the cardiovascular system. Often, there may be a rise in temperature, as well as a decrease in body weight, sometimes up to cachexia. Doctors listen to dry, small bubbling rales mainly in the lower parts.

How is this disease diagnosed?

After a thorough conversation with a specialist and exhibiting an already preliminary diagnosis, you will be asked to perform several diagnostic manipulations that will then help determine the condition of the disease, its shape and prescribe adequate and rational treatment. One of the standards in the diagnosis of pulmonary diseases is the radiographic examination of the lungs. On the film, doctors often notice an increase in the pulmonary pattern, especially in the lower or peripheral parts of the lung. This indicates that the process of inflammation and compaction of lung tissue is started, and also the picture conveys the state of the process and allows us to outline the treatment plan. In some cases, experts note that foci of enlarged bronchial tubes or small cystic manifestations( cellular lungs) appear.

When examining the lung function, it can be noted that the diffusive ability is sharply reduced, as well as in the blood, hypoxemia is observed, which is aggravated by physical exertion, and low values ​​of carbon dioxide in the arterial blood. Allows you to see the processes in the lungs and special computer tomography, which determines the subpleural enhancement of the pulmonary pattern, as well as the thickened interlobular septa that appear as a result of fibrotic changes in the lung tissue. Sometimes laboratory confirmation methods, such as increased ESR, detection of high concentrations of C-reactive protein, are used to confirm the diagnosis.

How do you treat desquamative interstitial pneumonia?

First of all, you should limit the flow of tobacco dust into the lungs, which just provokes the appearance of inflammatory foci in the lungs. After that, patients usually notice improvement, because the main ailments that constantly worsen patients, namely shortness of breath, cough and bad sleep, disappear or slightly decrease. In addition, patients actively receive inhalation of oxygen in the mask, which helps to reduce the formation of fibrin and sclerotically processes. Patients in the terminal stage undergo either a resection of the lung, or its transplantation.

In some cases, when the patient does not undergo symptoms after oxygenation, the doctors deem it appropriate to administer glucocorticosteroid therapy. After that some patients can note improvement of state of health, after all preparations of hormones of adrenals have the expressed anti-inflammatory and immunosuperbial action after which it is possible to see that the centers of an inflammation in a pulmonary tissue considerably reduce in sizes. But in addition to this group of drugs, the prescription of cytostatics is also possible. They in turn slow down the deposition of fibrin in the interstitium of the lung tissue. Some drugs, such as porphenidone, help to improve and normalize lung function and reduce the risk of exacerbations.

What will be the prognosis after long treatment in hospitals and polyclinics?

According to statistics, people with this diagnosis live, as a rule, for more than ten years. But you need to carefully monitor yourself. First, give up such an addiction as smoking. After all, it is this factor that shortens the term of serving your lungs. Secondly, be sure to follow all the doctor's prescriptions, take the pills on schedule, and also go to the procedures for the appointed days. Thirdly, constantly and every year, be on the prophylactic examination of the lungs, because it will show how the process is going, whether it will be able to go into a heavier form or stay in place. Usually patients with such a diagnosis die either from infectious diseases or from problems with the cardiovascular system.

In some cases, some patients are shown sanatorium treatment, which usually takes place after in-patient treatment.

Therefore, so that manifestations of desquamative interstitial pneumonia bother you less, you must tune in to a positive outcome, give up bad habits and communicate more with your family and friends! Be healthy!