Alveolar lung disease

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Alveolar Lung Disease

Alveolar lung disease (pronunciation: al-vee-oh-lar lung di-zeez) is a category of pulmonary disease that affects the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs.

Etymology

The term "alveolar" is derived from the Latin word "alveolus", meaning "small cavity". It refers to the small air sacs in the lungs. The term "disease" comes from the Old French "desaise", meaning "lack of ease".

Types of Alveolar Lung Disease

There are several types of alveolar lung disease, including:

  • Alveolar proteinosis: A rare lung disease in which a certain type of protein builds up in the alveoli, making it hard for the body to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
  • Alveolar microlithiasis: A very rare lung disease characterized by the accumulation of tiny stones made of calcium phosphate in the alveoli.
  • Pneumonia: An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of alveolar lung disease include:

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of alveolar lung disease often involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests such as chest X-ray or CT scan. In some cases, a lung biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for alveolar lung disease depends on the specific type and severity of the disease. It may include medication, oxygen therapy, or in severe cases, a lung transplant.

See Also

External links

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