Pneumonitis

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Tests and diagnosis Complications Treatments and drugs Prevention Lifestyle and home remedies

Definition

Pneumonitis is a general term that refers to inflammation of lung tissue. Pneumonia is one type of pneumonitis caused by an infection. Many other factors can cause pneumonitis, including breathing in animal dander, inhaling small food particles "down the wrong pipe" and receiving radiation therapy to your chest.

A cough and difficulty breathing are the most common signs and symptoms of pneumonitis, but having these problems doesn't necessarily mean that you have pneumonitis. Specialized tests are often necessary to make a diagnosis.

Medications are used to treat some causes of pneumonitis, but other types of pneumonitis can be cured by simply avoiding the substance that triggers inflammation. Identifying and treating pneumonitis promptly is important, because untreated pneumonitis can lead to lung scarring and permanent difficulty breathing.

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Symptoms