Diffuse interstitial lung disease
Alternative Names
Diffuse parenchymal lung disease; Alveolitis; Cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis (CFA); Idiopathic pulmonary pneumonitis (IPP)Symptoms
- Abnormal enlargement of the base of the fingernails (clubbing)
- Blue color of the lips, skin, or fingernails due to low blood oxygen levels (cyanosis)
- Decreased tolerance for activity
- Dry cough
- Rapid breathing
- Shortness of breath at rest or while active
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Dry, crackling breath sounds may be heard when listening to the chest with a stethoscope. The health care provider may notice nasal flaring.
The following tests may be done:
- Blood tests to check for connective tissue diseases
- Bronchoscopy with biopsy
- Chest x-ray
- CT scan of the chest
- Lung biopsy
- Measurement of the blood oxygen level at rest or during exertion
- Pulmonary function tests
References
Goldman L, Ausiello D.Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007.
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