Comprehensive Symptom Navigator

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

Category: Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; cough; fever; chills; fatigue; loss of appetite; wheezing; weight loss (in chronic cases)

Root Cause:
Immune-mediated inflammation of the alveoli and small airways caused by repeated exposure to inhaled organic particles (e.g., mold, bird droppings, farming dust) or chemical antigens.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Detailed exposure history, chest imaging (CT scan showing ground-glass opacities or fibrosis in chronic cases), pulmonary function tests, blood tests for specific antibodies, and sometimes lung biopsy.

Treatment:
Avoidance of exposure to causative antigens, use of corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) to reduce inflammation, and supportive measures like oxygen therapy for severe cases.

Medications:
Corticosteroids such as prednisone are the mainstay of treatment to control inflammation. Immunosuppressive drugs like azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil may be used in chronic or refractory cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Prevalence varies widely depending on exposure risk, with higher rates among farmers, bird breeders, and people working in moldy environments.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Repeated exposure to known antigens (e.g., bird droppings, mold, farming dust), genetic predisposition, and inadequate ventilation in work or home environments.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early diagnosis and avoidance of triggers lead to good outcomes; chronic exposure can cause irreversible lung damage and progressive fibrosis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory failure, and reduced quality of life.

Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia (COP)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Restrictive Lung Diseases

Sub-category: Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD)

Symptoms:
cough; fever; fatigue; shortness of breath; weight loss; chills; muscle aches

Root Cause:
Inflammation and fibrosis of the small airways and alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs, leading to the formation of fibrous tissue plugs in the bronchioles and alveolar ducts. The cause is unknown, but it may follow a respiratory infection or be associated with autoimmune diseases.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
HRCT showing characteristic pattern of consolidation or ground-glass opacities, lung biopsy showing organizing pneumonia with fibrous tissue, and exclusion of other causes.

Treatment:
Corticosteroids (prednisone) are the first-line treatment, with longer durations in cases of relapse.

Medications:
Prednisone (a corticosteroid) is prescribed to reduce inflammation. Immunosuppressants like azathioprine may be used in cases of steroid resistance or relapse.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, estimated incidence is about 1 per 100,000 people per year.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Previous respiratory infections, exposure to certain drugs, autoimmune conditions, or environmental factors like smoking.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally favorable with treatment; many patients recover with steroid therapy, but relapse can occur in some cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Relapse of disease, development of pulmonary fibrosis in severe cases, and chronic restrictive lung disease if untreated.

Acute Interstitial Pneumonia (AIP)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Restrictive Lung Diseases

Sub-category: Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD)

Symptoms:
acute shortness of breath; cough; fever; rapid breathing; hypoxia; general malaise

Root Cause:
Rapid, severe inflammation and fibrosis of the lung interstitial tissue, often progressing to acute respiratory failure. The cause is often unknown, but it may follow viral infections or be associated with autoimmune diseases.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
HRCT showing bilateral ground-glass opacities and consolidations, biopsy revealing diffuse alveolar damage, and exclusion of other causes of acute lung injury.

Treatment:
Acute cases are treated with high-dose corticosteroids and sometimes immunosuppressants. Supportive care, including mechanical ventilation, may be required in severe cases.

Medications:
Prednisone (a corticosteroid) for inflammation; other immunosuppressive agents may be considered depending on the cause or severity.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Extremely rare; fewer than 1 per 100,000 people are affected.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Recent viral infections, underlying autoimmune diseases, and smoking.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor in acute cases; up to 50% of patients may require lung transplantation. Mortality is high due to respiratory failure.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, pulmonary fibrosis, secondary infections, and multi-organ failure.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Restrictive Lung Diseases

Sub-category: Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD)

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; chest pain; cough; fatigue; pneumothorax; hemoptysis; abdominal pain

Root Cause:
Abnormal growth of smooth muscle cells in the lungs and lymphatic system, leading to cystic destruction of the lung tissue and airway obstruction. Most common in women of reproductive age and often associated with tuberous sclerosis complex.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
HRCT showing characteristic cystic lesions, pulmonary function tests showing restrictive lung pattern, and genetic testing for tuberous sclerosis (if suspected).

Treatment:
No definitive cure; treatment focuses on symptom management, including oxygen therapy and management of pneumothorax. In some cases, lung transplantation may be considered.

Medications:
Rapamycin (sirolimus ), an immunosuppressant, may be used to slow disease progression, particularly in tuberous sclerosis-associated LAM.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; affects about 1-2 women per 1,000,000 annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, specifically in individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive with variable severity; lung transplantation may be necessary in advanced cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pneumothorax, pulmonary hypertension, respiratory failure, and renal tumors associated with tuberous sclerosis.

Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (PLCH)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Restrictive Lung Diseases

Sub-category: Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD)

Symptoms:
cough; shortness of breath; chest pain; fatigue; fever; unexplained weight loss

Root Cause:
Abnormal proliferation of Langerhans cells (a type of immune cell) in the lungs, causing granulomatous inflammation and tissue damage, most often in heavy smokers.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
HRCT showing cystic and nodular lesions, biopsy revealing Langerhans cells and characteristic granulomas.

Treatment:
Smoking cessation, corticosteroids for inflammation, and chemotherapy or immunotherapy in severe cases.

Medications:
Prednisone (corticosteroid) for inflammation; other immunosuppressants like methotrexate may be used for refractory disease.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; primarily affects young adults, with a higher prevalence in smokers.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking, possibly occupational exposures to certain chemicals or dust.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Often self-limiting in mild cases, but severe disease can progress to respiratory failure and fibrosis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pulmonary fibrosis, pneumothorax, and secondary infections.

Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Infectious Diseases of the Respiratory System

Sub-category: Fungal Infections

Symptoms:
fever; cough; fatigue; chest pain; shortness of breath; rash; headache; joint pain

Root Cause:
Caused by inhaling spores of Coccidioides species, fungi found in desert soils in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico and Central and South America.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests for antibodies, antigen detection, fungal cultures, imaging (chest X-ray or CT scan), or biopsy of affected tissues.

Treatment:
Mild cases often resolve without treatment; antifungal therapy is required for severe or chronic cases.

Medications:
Fluconazole or itraconazole (triazole antifungals) for most cases; amphotericin B (a polyene antifungal) for severe or disseminated infections.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Endemic to arid regions; affects tens of thousands annually in the U.S., particularly in Arizona and California.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Living in or traveling to endemic areas, occupational exposure to dust, pregnancy, and immune suppression.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good for acute cases; chronic or disseminated infections may require long-term treatment and carry a risk of complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pulmonary disease, disseminated infection affecting bones, skin, or meninges, and severe respiratory distress.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Infectious Diseases of the Respiratory System

Sub-category: Viral Infections

Symptoms:
runny nose; cough; sneezing; wheezing; fever; decreased appetite; difficulty breathing in severe cases

Root Cause:
Caused by RSV, a highly contagious virus that infects the respiratory tract, particularly dangerous for infants and older adults.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, rapid RSV antigen testing, or PCR tests.

Treatment:
Supportive care, including hydration, oxygen therapy, and in severe cases, mechanical ventilation.

Medications:
In severe cases, ribavirin (antiviral) may be used. For high-risk infants, palivizumab (monoclonal antibody) can be administered prophylactically. Symptomatic relief includes fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen .

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects most children by age 2; seasonal outbreaks in fall and winter. Severe cases more common in infants, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prematurity, congenital heart disease, chronic lung disease, weakened immune systems, crowded living conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most cases resolve within 1-2 weeks; severe cases can require hospitalization.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pneumonia, bronchiolitis, respiratory failure, and increased risk of asthma later in life.

Empyema (Pleural Infection)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Infectious Diseases of the Respiratory System

Symptoms:
fever; chest pain; cough; shortness of breath; fatigue; weight loss; chills

Root Cause:
Accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity, often as a complication of pneumonia or lung infection, caused by bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Staphylococcus aureus.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Chest X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan of the chest; thoracentesis to analyze pleural fluid; and blood tests to assess infection markers.

Treatment:
Antibiotics targeting the causative organism, drainage of the infected fluid via chest tube (thoracostomy), and occasionally surgical decortication if the infection is refractory.

Medications:
Empiric antibiotics such as vancomycin (glycopeptide antibiotic) and ceftriaxone (third-generation cephalosporin) are typically used initially. Specific antibiotics may be chosen based on culture results.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in approximately 20% of hospitalized patients with pneumonia; incidence varies by region and population.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Untreated or inadequately treated pneumonia, recent chest surgery or trauma, weakened immune system, diabetes, or chronic lung diseases.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate treatment, most patients recover, but delayed treatment can lead to severe outcomes. Mortality rates range from 5–20% depending on severity.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Septic shock, respiratory failure, pleural thickening, lung entrapment, and persistent infection requiring surgery.

Transudative Pleural Effusion

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Pleural Diseases

Sub-category: Pleural Effusion

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; chest pain; cough; reduced breath sounds on the affected side; dullness to percussion on physical exam

Root Cause:
An imbalance between hydrostatic and oncotic pressures, often due to conditions such as congestive heart failure (CHF) or hypoalbuminemia.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Chest X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, and thoracentesis (analysis of pleural fluid to confirm low protein and lactate dehydrogenase levels consistent with transudate).

Treatment:
Treating the underlying cause (e.g., diuretics for CHF, correcting hypoalbuminemia) and therapeutic thoracentesis if symptomatic relief is required.

Medications:
Diuretics, such as furosemide , are commonly prescribed to manage fluid overload in cases of CHF. Albumin infusions may be used if hypoalbuminemia is present.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common among patients with chronic heart failure and liver or kidney disease; precise prevalence varies by population and comorbidities.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, liver cirrhosis, and hypoalbuminemia.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good when the underlying condition is effectively treated, but recurrence is possible if the primary cause is not addressed.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Risk of lung compression, secondary infections, and respiratory failure if untreated.

Exudative Pleural Effusion

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Pleural Diseases

Sub-category: Pleural Effusion

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; pleuritic chest pain; cough; fever if infection is present; reduced breath sounds and dullness to percussion

Root Cause:
Inflammation or infection of the pleura causing increased capillary permeability, often associated with conditions like pneumonia, malignancy, or pulmonary embolism.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Chest imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan) and thoracentesis with pleural fluid analysis showing high protein, high lactate dehydrogenase, and possible infection markers.

Treatment:
Treatment of the underlying cause (e.g., antibiotics for infection, chemotherapy for malignancy) and drainage via thoracentesis or chest tube placement if needed.

Medications:
Antibiotics (e.g., ceftriaxone for bacterial pneumonia), corticosteroids for inflammatory causes, and chemotherapy or targeted agents for malignancy-related effusions.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Varies depending on underlying conditions; common in cases of pneumonia, cancer, or tuberculosis in certain populations.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Lung infections, malignancy, pulmonary embolism, connective tissue diseases.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on the underlying cause; potentially serious if not addressed promptly, particularly in malignancy or infection-related cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Empyema (infected pleural fluid), trapped lung, and respiratory failure if left untreated.

Occupational Asthma

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases

Symptoms:
wheezing; shortness of breath; chest tightness; cough; symptoms worsening at work and improving during time off

Root Cause:
Inflammation and narrowing of the airways caused by exposure to allergens or irritants in the workplace, such as dust, fumes, chemicals, or animal proteins.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Detailed occupational history, pulmonary function tests (spirometry and peak expiratory flow monitoring), allergen-specific tests, and possibly a methacholine challenge test.

Treatment:
Avoidance of workplace triggers, use of bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids, and implementing workplace safety measures (e.g., masks, ventilation).

Medications:
Commonly prescribed medications include short-acting beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol ) for quick relief, long-acting beta-agonists (e.g., salmeterol ) combined with inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone or budesonide ) for maintenance, and leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g., montelukast ) to reduce inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occupational asthma accounts for up to 15% of all adult asthma cases in industrialized countries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Workplace exposure to allergens (e.g., animal dander, latex, flour), irritants (e.g., smoke, fumes, dust), or specific chemicals (e.g., isocyanates, cleaning agents), and having a history of allergies or asthma.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With early diagnosis and removal from exposure, symptoms can improve or resolve; delayed diagnosis or continued exposure may lead to persistent asthma and long-term lung damage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic asthma, reduced lung function, job loss due to inability to work in certain environments, and diminished quality of life.

Acute and Chronic Beryllium Disease

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; cough; chest pain; fatigue; fever; weight loss; night sweats; skin rash (in some cases)

Root Cause:
Exposure to beryllium, a lightweight metal found in certain industries (e.g., aerospace, electronics, and nuclear sectors), triggers an immune-mediated response. Acute beryllium disease results from high-level exposure causing chemical pneumonitis, while chronic beryllium disease (CBD) arises from prolonged low-level exposure leading to granulomatous inflammation and scarring in the lungs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves a detailed occupational history, chest imaging (e.g., X-rays or CT scans), pulmonary function tests, and the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT), which detects sensitization to beryllium. Bronchoscopy with biopsy may be used to confirm granulomatous inflammation.

Treatment:
Acute cases typically involve supportive care, such as oxygen therapy and avoiding further exposure. Chronic beryllium disease is treated with corticosteroids to reduce lung inflammation and immunosuppressive drugs in severe cases. Pulmonary rehabilitation and supplemental oxygen may also be necessary.

Medications:
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) - Used to reduce inflammation in chronic beryllium disease. Immunosuppressive agents (e.g., methotrexate or azathioprine ) - Prescribed in cases where corticosteroids are insufficient or contraindicated. Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol ) - Used to alleviate symptoms such as wheezing and airway constriction. Supplemental oxygen - Not a medication but often required in advanced disease stages to improve oxygenation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
The exact prevalence is unknown but primarily affects workers exposed to beryllium, with approximately 2-10% of exposed individuals developing sensitization and a smaller subset progressing to chronic beryllium disease.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged occupational exposure to beryllium, genetic predisposition (HLA-DPB1 gene mutations), inadequate workplace safety measures, smoking, and pre-existing lung conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Acute beryllium disease has a good prognosis with prompt removal from exposure and treatment, while chronic beryllium disease is a lifelong condition with variable progression. Early detection and management can improve quality of life, but severe cases may lead to respiratory failure or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pulmonary fibrosis, progressive lung dysfunction, cor pulmonale (right-sided heart failure due to lung disease), and increased risk of infections due to impaired lung function.

Smoke Inhalation

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases

Sub-category: Environmental Exposures

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; cough; soot in the mouth or nose; wheezing; burning sensation in the throat or chest; confusion or altered mental state (in severe cases)

Root Cause:
Inhalation of smoke, which can contain toxic gases, particulates, and chemicals that cause irritation, damage to the respiratory system, and inflammation in the airways and lungs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on a patient's history of exposure to smoke, physical examination, and symptoms. Imaging such as chest X-ray or CT scan may be used to assess lung damage. Blood gases may be taken to evaluate respiratory function.

Treatment:
Oxygen therapy to improve oxygen levels. Bronchodilators to open airways. Steroids to reduce inflammation. Supportive care including fluids and monitoring in severe cases.

Medications:
Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol , salbutamol) to relax the muscles of the airways and improve airflow. These are beta-agonists that act as bronchodilators. Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) to reduce inflammation in the airways. Analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen ) for pain management.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs frequently in fire-related incidents, with thousands of cases annually. It can also affect individuals who work in industries with high exposure to smoke, such as firefighting.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Exposure to high levels of smoke (e.g., during fires). Occupations involving exposure to smoke (e.g., firefighting). Pre-existing respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, COPD).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis can vary depending on the severity of inhalation and lung damage. Mild cases generally recover fully with treatment, while severe cases may result in long-term lung damage and even death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure. Acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Chronic lung disease (e.g., COPD). Infections due to weakened immune system or lung damage.

Chemical Inhalation (e.g., ammonia, chlorine)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases

Sub-category: Environmental Exposures

Symptoms:
cough; shortness of breath; chest tightness; burning sensation in the throat, nose, or eyes; watery eyes or conjunctivitis; nausea or vomiting; wheezing or stridor (if airway is affected)

Root Cause:
Inhalation of toxic chemicals such as ammonia or chlorine leads to direct irritation of the respiratory tract, causing inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and potentially chemical burns to the airway and lung tissue.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves a detailed history of exposure, clinical examination, and lung function tests. Imaging like chest X-rays or CT scans may be used to detect any structural damage. Blood gases may be assessed to evaluate oxygenation.

Treatment:
Removal from the source of exposure. Oxygen therapy to support breathing. Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol) to relieve wheezing and bronchospasm. Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the lungs. Supportive care for more severe cases.

Medications:
Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol ) are prescribed to relieve bronchospasm. Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) to control inflammation. Antibiotics if secondary infection develops in severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Chemical inhalation injuries are relatively rare but occur in industrial settings, accidents, or exposure to household products. Ammonia and chlorine are common in industrial accidents.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Occupations involving chemicals (e.g., industrial workers, cleaners). Accidental chemical spills or exposure. Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) during work. Proximity to hazardous materials or inadequate ventilation.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis depends on the concentration of the chemical and the duration of exposure. Mild exposures often resolve without long-term effects, but severe cases may result in permanent lung damage or even death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic respiratory problems (e.g., asthma-like symptoms). Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs). Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Chemical burns to the airway.

Tracheobronchitis

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Disorders of the Airway

Symptoms:
cough; fever; sore throat; wheezing; shortness of breath; chest discomfort

Root Cause:
Inflammation of the trachea and bronchi, often due to viral or bacterial infection.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and confirmed with a chest X-ray or sputum culture if a bacterial infection is suspected.

Treatment:
Symptomatic treatment with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications (e.g., acetaminophen for fever). Antibiotics may be required if a bacterial infection is diagnosed.

Medications:
Antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin or azithromycin ) may be prescribed if bacterial infection is identified. Bronchodilators and corticosteroids may help alleviate symptoms of wheezing and inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, especially in the winter months and in individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic respiratory conditions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Exposure to respiratory infections, smoking, weakened immune system, and pre-existing lung conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Typically resolves with appropriate treatment, but can take longer in people with underlying lung diseases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, or exacerbation of pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Pulmonary Eosinophilia

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Other Respiratory Conditions

Symptoms:
cough; shortness of breath; wheezing; fever; fatigue; chest pain

Root Cause:
Pulmonary eosinophilia is characterized by an increase in eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the lungs, often triggered by allergies, infections, or autoimmune diseases.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis includes blood tests showing elevated eosinophil counts, chest imaging (CT scan), and sometimes bronchoscopy with biopsy.

Treatment:
Treatment typically involves corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) to reduce inflammation and addressing any underlying causes (e.g., infection or allergy).

Medications:
Common medications include corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) for inflammation and antibiotics if an infection is present. These are classified as corticosteroids and antibiotics.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively rare; more common in individuals with allergies or asthma.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Allergies, asthma, infections (e.g., parasitic), autoimmune diseases.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With treatment, the condition often improves, though recurrence can occur if the underlying cause is not resolved.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Untreated pulmonary eosinophilia may lead to lung damage, fibrosis, or respiratory failure in severe cases.

Interstitial Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Other Respiratory Conditions

Symptoms:
progressive shortness of breath; cough; fatigue; weight loss; chest discomfort; cyanosis

Root Cause:
A rare lung disorder where a substance called surfactant builds up in the alveoli, leading to impaired gas exchange and respiratory distress.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is confirmed through imaging (CT scan showing ground-glass opacities), bronchoalveolar lavage, and sometimes lung biopsy.

Treatment:
The main treatment is whole lung lavage (a procedure to wash out the surfactant buildup), and in some cases, a lung transplant may be necessary.

Medications:
There are no specific medications approved for this condition, but corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) may be used for inflammation in some cases. These are classified as corticosteroids.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Very rare, with only a few cases reported worldwide.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Most commonly occurs in otherwise healthy adults, with no clear risk factors identified.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Without treatment, the prognosis is poor, but with interventions like lung lavage, many individuals can experience improvements.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
If untreated, the disease can lead to respiratory failure, fibrosis, or secondary infections.