Parenchymal Lung Disease

Diffuse parenchymal lung disease is a general term for a lung disorder which affects the deep part of your lung tissue. The various causes include diseases and occupational substances.

Significance

• Diffuse parenchymal lung disease causes scarring and swelling in your alveoli, or air sacs, and your interstitium. As a result, you have lower levels of oxygen in your blood.

Job Causes

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, occupational substances like asbestos, cotton dust, sand dust, and coal dust found in work sites can cause this lung disorder.

Medical Causes

• Diseases like scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can cause diffuse parenchymal lung disease. Other causes include medication and cigarette smoking.

Symptoms

• There are various symptoms associated with this lung disease. You may experience shortness of breath, clubbing of your fingernails, and dry cough. Also, you may notice that your fingernails, skin, or lips are a bluish color.

Treatment

• Treatment typically includes medication like anti-inflammatory drugs, therapy to support you lung function, and oxygen for low blood oxygen levels.