Interstitial Pneumonia

Pneumonia or pulmonary inflammation is an acute or chronic inflammation of lung tissue. Causes include infection with bacteria, viruses, or fungi. In more rare cases, pneumonia can also be caused through toxic triggers through inhalation of toxic substances, immunological processes, or in the course of radiotherapy.

Interstitial lung diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by the inflammation and fibrosis of lung parenchyma, especially the pulmonary connective tissue in the alveolar walls. It may be idiopathic (e.g., idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) or secondary to connective tissue diseases, medications, malignancies, occupational exposure, or allergens. Interstitial lung diseases commonly present with progressive exertional dyspnea and dry cough. Pulmonary function testing shows a restrictive lung disease pattern. Lung high-resolution computed tomography and biopsy usually establish the diagnosis. Treatment includes steroids and immunosuppressives.

COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus disease, is a respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV 2). Transmission mainly occurs via direct contact or aerosol droplets. The disease may present asymptomatically or with fever and dry cough.

Upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) include a group of illnesses that can be mild to life-threatening where the upper respiratory tract is the main affected part. The infecting organism can affect the sinuses, the nasal passages, the pharynx or the larynx. Several diseases can be put under the umbrella of URIs which include rhinitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, epiglottitis, laryngitis and tracheitis.

Pulmonary, or chest, imaging includes imaging of the lungs and surrounding structures in the thorax. Imaging of the chest represents a substantial portion of the imaging tests that are routinely performed. Common imaging methods include X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasonography (US). Each imaging method has advantages and disadvantages. Radiology exams, once completed, are read and interpreted by board-certified, fellowship-trained radiologists; however, most physicians should know the basics of how to interpret these images.