Factors that can cause pneumonitis include Occupational exposure to airborne particles, such as asbestos or silica. Some drugs, particularly chemotherapy drugs. This "flushing" procedure is known as a lavage. Surgical lung biopsy. In some cases, your doctor may want to examine a larger sample of tissue from several locations within your lungs that cannot be reached via bronchoscopy. A surgical procedure to obtain these samples may be necessary. Treatments and drugs..
Symptoms.
Treatments and drugs.
Mayo Clinic Housecall.
Factors that can cause pneumonitis include
Occupational exposure to airborne particles, such as asbestos or silica.
Some drugs, particularly chemotherapy drugs.
Radiation therapy to the chest.
Do you have a hot tub or humidifier at home'
Does anything make your symptoms better or worse'
Tests and diagnosis.
To distinguish pneumonitis from other lung disorders, you'll likely have one or more of the following tests.
In most cases, pneumonia affects only a small, localized portion of your lungs, while the effects of pneumonitis are often spread throughout all five lobes of your lungs.
A test called spirometry measures the amount of air that you're able to inhale and exhale in a specific period of time.
Once the tube is in place, your doctor may flush a section of your lung with a saltwater solution to collect lung cells and other materials.
This "flushing" procedure is known as a lavage.
Your doctor may also insert a tiny tool through the bronchoscope to biopsy a sample of cells from the lung tissue.
Surgical lung biopsy.
In some cases, your doctor may want to examine a larger sample of tissue from several locations within your lungs that cannot be reached via bronchoscopy.
A surgical procedure to obtain these samples may be necessary.
Treatments and drugs.
If you have hypersensitivity or chemical pneumonitis, avoiding allergens is a common-sense approach to treatment.
By eliminating exposure to the allergen or chemical irritating your lungs, you'll likely notice that your symptoms lessen.
In severe cases of pneumonitis, treatment may include
Drugs that reduce inflammation, such as prednisone, can help relieve the symptoms of pneumonitis.
Corticosteroids are usually taken as a pill.
If you have a bacterial infection in your lungs, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, which may be given through a vein in your arm or taken as a pill
Oxygen therapy.
If you're having a lot of trouble breathing, you may need oxygen therapy through a mask or plastic tubing with prongs that fit into your nostrils.
Some people need oxygen therapy constantly, while others might need it only during exercise or sleep