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Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a general term for damage to the lungs as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation. [1] In general terms, such damage is divided into early inflammatory damage ( radiation pneumonitis ) and later complications of chronic scarring ( radiation fibrosis ).
Figure A shows the location of the lungs and airways in the body. The inset image shows a detailed view of the lung's airways and air sacs in cross-section. Figure B shows fibrosis (scarring) in the lungs. The inset image shows a detailed view of the fibrosis and how it damages the airways and air sacs. [1]
Lung transplantation is the only therapeutic option available in severe cases. A lung transplant can improve the patient's quality of life. [30] Immunosuppressive drugs can also be considered. These are sometimes prescribed to slow the processes that lead to fibrosis. Some types of lung fibrosis respond to corticosteroids, such as prednisone. [29]
The differential diagnosis includes other types of lung disease that cause similar symptoms and show similar abnormalities on chest radiographs. Some of these diseases cause fibrosis, scarring or honeycomb change. The most common considerations include: chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis; non-specific interstitial pneumonia; sarcoidosis
Fibrothorax is a medical condition characterised by severe scarring and fusion of the layers of the pleural space surrounding the lungs resulting in decreased movement of the lung and ribcage. [1] The main symptom of fibrothorax is shortness of breath. There also may be recurrent fluid collections surrounding the lungs.
Asbestosis is the scarring of lung tissue (beginning around terminal bronchioles and alveolar ducts and extending into the alveolar walls) resulting from the inhalation of asbestos fibers. There are two types of fibers: amphibole (thin and straight) and serpentine (curly).
Medical treatment for restrictive lung disease is normally limited to supportive care since both the intrinsic and extrinsic causes can have irreversible effects on lung compliance. [10] The supportive therapies focus on maximizing pulmonary function and preserving activity tolerance through oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, inhaled beta ...
A pulmonary laceration can cause air to leak out of the lacerated lung [10] and into the pleural space, if the laceration goes through to it. [8] Pulmonary laceration invariably results in pneumothorax (due to torn airways ), hemothorax (due to torn blood vessels ), or a hemopneumothorax (with both blood and air in the chest cavity). [ 11 ]