Lung inflammation can beacute(rapidly occurring and severe) orchronic(persistent or recurrent).
The diagnosis may involve a physical exam, blood tests, imaging tests, and other procedures.
Sometimes surgery is needed.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
This article explains some common symptoms and causes of different types of lung inflammation.
It also discusses how inflammation in the lungs is diagnosed and treated.
The symptoms vary based on the underlying cause, the extent of the inflammation, and your general health.
Complications
When severe, lung inflammation can limit airflow or lower your ability to absorb oxygen.
These changes can also result inhypercapniain which it is harder to get carbon dioxide out of the lungs.
In cases like this, a mechanical ventilator may be needed to help you breathe.
What Causes Lung Inflammation?
Mucus can then be dislodged with coughing.
Dust mites, pollen, and pet dander are common triggers.
Lung Infections
There are many differentpathogens(disease-causing agents) that cause lung infections.
It causes episodes ofbronchospasmin which the airways spasm violently, causing wheezing and coughing.
Mucus might also be produced.
People with poorly managedasthmahave a higher risk of pneumonia as a result of persistent lung inflammation.
Cigarette smoking is strongly linked to COPD.
People with advanced COPD often requireinhaled corticosteroids(steroids) to reduce and control lung inflammation.
Costochondritis causes sharp or stinging pain and pressure on the chest wall.
Each of these diseases can directly or indirectly affect the lung and trigger lung inflammation.
All autoimmune diseases are inflammatory.
Autoimmune diseases affecting the lungs can lead tointerstitial lung disease (ILD).
ILD affects tissues around the airways, causing progressive scarring (pulmonary fibrosis).
The scarring causes the lungs to stiffen and makes it harder to breathe.
Lung damage from ILD is often irreversible and gets worse over time.
Trauma
Any jot down of trauma to the lungs or chest wall can cause acute lung inflammation.
Penetrating wounds also allow bacteria to enter the chest wall, leading to a potentially severe infection.
CF causes the excess build-up of mucus in the lungs, making it harder to breathe.
Pericarditis
Pericarditisis an inflammation of the sac (pericardium) that surrounds the heart.
Pericarditis can be triggered by an infection, heart attack, certain diseases, and even some medical treatments.
The clot often develops in the lower extremities due to a condition calleddeep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Large clots can cause severe chest pain and other overt symptoms.
The damage can be worsened by high levels of inflammation at the site of the obstruction.
All of these treatments trigger an inflammatory response as they target cancer cells for destruction.
How Is Lung Inflammation Diagnosed?
Based on the findings, other tests and procedures may be ordered.
Treating lung inflammation depends on the cause.
Other causes may need treatments specific to lung inflammation to bring the inflammation under control.
In severe care, respiratory support may be needed to help you breathe.
This support could includemechanical ventilationwithintubation.
Medications
Different medications may be used to alleviate lung inflammation either directly or indirectly.
It involves a portable oxygen tank and thin tubing (called acannula) that delivers oxygen into your nostrils.
Surgery may sometimes be needed to remove an area of the lung that has been damaged by disease.
Lung inflammation can make it harder to breathe.
Over time, if the inflammation doesn’t improve, it can damage your lungs.
Treatment is typically focused on treating the underlying cause.
Surgery is needed in some cases.
2016;128(15-16):54154. doi:10.1007/s00508-016-1019-4
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
2016 Jun;18(6):1-20.
2016;32(4):16674. doi:10.5758/vsi.2016.32.4.166
American Lung Association.Lung cancer trends brief.
National Cancer Institute.Non-small cell lung cancer treatment: health professional version.
American Lung Association.Surgery for COPD.
