Alveolitis - an inflammatory disease of the alveolar lung bubbles. There are several types of disorders. It is believed that this disease is caused by damage to the alveoli repeated. This leads to inflammation in the lungs and the formation of scar tissue.

Idiopathic fibroiziruyuschy alveolitis

In patients with idiopathic pulmonary alveolitis fibroiziruyuschim function gradually deteriorates, they may get tired quickly from even minor physical activity, and to experience many other problems.

The incidence of idiopathic alveolitis fibroiziruyuschim growing, and it is not clear why. It is most commonly found in people in middle age (usually over age 50); The disease is most common among men. In addition, this disorder is common among smokers.

Causes

Although the exact causes of idiopathic alveolitis fibroiziruyuschego unknown, it is believed that a number of factors may contribute to its occurrence. These factors include:

• Viral infection - Epstein - Barr virus and hepatitis Hepatitis - the scourge of our time   FROM;
• Gastroesophageal reflux;
• Constant exposure to industrial pollution and / or smoking;
• There is evidence that the tendency to develop fibroiziruyuschego idiopathic alveolitis can be inherited.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of idiopathic alveolitis fibroiziruyuschego is shortness of breath, especially after exercise, climbing stairs, and so on. Although the disease usually develops after 50 years, we should not think that shortness of breath is normal for a man of middle age. If you often feel out of breath, seek medical attention.

Less common disorder causes symptoms such as dry cough Dry cough - whether to worry about it?   and changing the form of nails.

Treatment

Usually, the symptoms of idiopathic alveolitis fibroiziruyuschego compounded over time, but there are also periods of improvement. For most people, the disease is difficult to treat.

Most often used for the treatment of steroid - prednisolone Prednisolone - against inflammation, allergy and pain, but with complications   at low doses indicated for relief of the inflammatory process in lungs.

With long-term use of steroids, patients often gain weight; Furthermore, drugs can lead to diabetes and high blood pressure in people with tendency to these disorders. Other side effects of steroids:

• Osteoporosis;
• Cataracts;
• Glaucoma;
• Problems with stomach.

What reduce the risk of these side effects, you should take drugs strictly defined doses. Simultaneously with steroids can be assigned to receive immunosuppressants - azathioprine or cyclophosphamide.

If the level of oxygen in the body continues to decline, despite the measures taken, the doctor may recommend the use of an oxygen concentrator.

In rare cases, for the treatment of idiopathic alveolitis fibroiziruyuschego require lung transplantation.

Shortness of breath - a condition in which a person can not breathe properly and / or feeling as if he did not have enough air. This is not a violation of the self; usually shortness of breath is a sign of any disorder.

Causes

Shortness of breath can have many causes, such as airway obstruction, heart disease or lung disease, severe stress How to beat stress? Create an oasis   and anxiety Anxiety - how to distinguish normal from disease? .

Violations that may lead to a shortage of breath:

• The formation of blood clots in the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary embolism);
• Bronchiolitis;
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and other chronic lung diseases;
• Pneumonia;
• Pulmonary hypertension Hypertension - Control your blood pressure ;
• Croup;
• Heart attack or angina;
• Congenital heart defects Heart defects - time heals? ;
• Heart failure;
• Cardiac arrhythmias (arrhythmia);
• Allergic reactions;
• Obesity;
• Panic attacks;
• Various injuries.

In most cases, shortness of breath is not a big problem. As a rule, a person quite a bit of rest, and breathing returns to normal. However, if the shortness of breath is not held for a few hours, you should seek medical attention.

Call an ambulance if shortness of breath becomes very strong, and there are signs of a lack of oxygen, and if breathing has stopped completely.

In addition, you should consult a specialist if shortness of breath is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Discomfort, pain or pressure in the chest;
• Heat;
• Shortness of breath appears even after minor physical exertion or at rest;
• A man wakes up on what it lacks air;
• The feeling of tightness in the throat and cough;
• Wheezing.

Diagnostics

The first step in diagnosis is a conversation with the patient. The doctor will ask you how often and under what circumstances you have a shortage of breath, how long it lasts, if the symptoms get worse when you lie down, and so on.

To determine the cause of shortness of breath can be used the following diagnostic procedures:

• Pulse oximetry;
• Blood test;
• Chest X-ray;
• Computed tomography of the chest;
• ECG;
• An echocardiogram;
• Pulmonary function tests.

In very severe shortness of breath the patient may be hospitalized.

First aid in case of shortness of breath

• In severe shortage of breath at the other person in the first place, call an ambulance. Check the airway and pulse of the person. If possible, remove items that interfere with breathing. If there is no pulse begin to massage the heart and / or resuscitation.
• If a pulse is present, loosen the tie, untie the scarf, or unbutton the top button on the clothing of the victim. If necessary, help the person take the medication (for example, if he has asthma).
• If the patient's neck has open wounds, they must be immediately shut down, particularly if the blood that flows out of them, there are air bubbles.
• Do not let the patient drink or eat, even if it so requests.
• Do not move a person with injury to chest and respiratory tract, if it is not absolutely necessary.
• Do not lay a pillow under the patient's head. This can block the airway.
• In severe shortage of breath in any case do not wait until the patient's condition to improve by itself. Immediately call an ambulance.