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pneumonitis
(noo″mo-ni´tis)
inflammation of the lung; see also pneumonia.
hypersensitivity pneumonitis
a respiratory hypersensitivity reaction to repeated inhalation of organic particles, usually in an occupational setting, with onset a few hours after exposure to
the allergen. Many different substances are potential causes of the condition; see bagassosis, farmer's lung, and pigeon breeder's lung. Characteristics include fever, fatigue, chills, unproductive cough, tachycardia, and tachypnea; in the chronic form there
is interstitial fibrosis with collagenous thickening of the alveolar septa. Called also extrinsic allergic alveolitis.
radiation pneumonitis
lung inflammation resulting from radiation exposure, usually radiation therapy, with coughing, dyspnea, and alveolar infiltration of secretions, leading to mild to severe or even fatal fibrosis 6 to 9
months after the exposure.
Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
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