Alveolitis is inflammation of the alveoli in the lungs, causing shortness of breath, coughing and fatigue. It can be caused by viral infections, respiratory illnesses, radiation therapy, autoimmune diseases or breathing in harmful irritants. Treatment can include medication, lifestyle changes or surgery. Early diagnosis is important to prevent complications.
Alveolitis is a general medical term for a case of acute or chronic lung inflammation. It occurs when the inner linings of the air sacs in the lungs called the alveoli become irritated and damaged. Resulting symptoms can include shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue that get worse over time. It is important to seek early diagnosis and treatment at the first signs of lung disease to prevent major complications, such as permanent scarring or sudden respiratory failure. Treatment for socket can involve medications, healthy lifestyle changes, or surgery.
The lungs are filled with millions of tiny sacs called alveoli that supply new blood with fresh oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from old blood. In the case of socket, the sacs become inflamed and stop expanding and contracting properly. Over time, the inflammation can leave the alveoli permanently scarred and completely unable to function. There are many different known causes of socket, including severe viral infections, frequent respiratory illnesses, radiation therapy, and autoimmune diseases. The alveoli can also be damaged when a person breathes in harmful irritants, such as asbestos debris, silica dust, or metal shavings.
Most cases of socket are chronic, which means that the physical changes to the lungs occur slowly over several months or years and get progressively worse. A person in the early stages of the disorder may have mild symptoms, such as difficulty breathing deeply and catching their breath after a bout of physical activity. An individual may begin coughing, wheezing, and have occasional chest pains. Untreated socket can severely limit the oxygen available to the lungs and cause blue skin and lips, mental confusion, and possibly loss of consciousness. Advanced-stage lung disease can quickly become fatal if immediate treatment is not sought.
A doctor can usually diagnose socket in the early stages by taking imaging scans of the lungs. X-rays and computed tomography can reveal the extent of inflammation and scarring in the socket tissue. In addition to confirming the presence of the disorder, doctors usually do physical tests to see how well the lungs are working. The stage of the disease and the severity of the breathing problems help determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Many cases of socket ulcers are initially treated with anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids which can be inhaled or taken by mouth. Patients are instructed to exercise more, eat healthily, avoid smoking, and wear filter masks if they plan to work around irritants. A person experiencing severe complications may need to receive oxygen therapy and endure a long hospital stay for close monitoring. If all other options fail to provide relief, a lung transplant may be considered.
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