Pulmonary toxicity is lung damage caused by drugs, chemicals, or environmental toxins. Symptoms include coughing, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Treatment varies based on symptoms and may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery. Chemotherapy drugs and environmental toxins are common causes. Symptoms may take months or years to become severe enough for medical attention. Treatment may include medication or, in severe cases, a lung transplant.
Pulmonary toxicity is a medical term used to describe lung damage caused by drugs or chemicals and environmental toxins. The severity of this damage can range from mild to severe enough to require an organ transplant. Some of the potential symptoms of pulmonary toxicity include coughing, fatigue or shortness of breath. Treatment varies based on specific symptoms and may include the use of over-the-counter or prescription drugs, lifestyle modifications, or surgery. Any specific questions or concerns about pulmonary toxicity in an individual situation should be discussed with a physician or other medical professional.
The drugs used in chemotherapy are often the cause of pulmonary toxicity, although other drugs, such as antibiotics, can sometimes be the culprit. Environmental toxins such as air pollution or inhaling toxic chemicals as part of an occupation can cause lung damage, especially in cases of long-term exposure. Radiation therapy or a traumatic injury involving the lungs can also cause pulmonary toxicity. In some cases, the exact cause of this damage is never conclusively diagnosed.
In the early stages, there may be no obvious symptoms associated with pulmonary toxicity. As lung damage progresses, the patient may experience a persistent dry cough. The shortness of breath may come and go, and the patient may experience alternating periods of feeling well and feeling tired or sick. It may take several months or years for symptoms to become severe enough for the patient to seek medical attention.
Over time, it may become difficult for the patient with pulmonary toxicity to complete normal daily activities. Walking short distances can cause a feeling of shortness of breath or crippling fatigue. It can become impossible to breathe comfortably while lying down, requiring the use of several pillows for elevation. In many cases, medical assistance is not required until this stage of the disease.
Treatment for pulmonary toxicity is usually not needed in the early stages, although the supervising physician will likely monitor the patient for any signs of worsening symptoms. Over-the-counter or prescription medications can be used to control cough or other symptoms associated with this condition. Frequent respiratory infections can develop, often requiring the use of antibiotics. In severe cases, a lung transplant may be necessary, although this is relatively rare and used as a last resort. With proper medical care, surgery can usually be avoided.
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