Idiopathic interstitial pneumonia history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Chetan Lokhande, M.B.B.S [2]

The most important point to be remembered in history of IIP patiets is the age, sex and race. The age at which the patient presents first can provide a clue to the cause of IIP. Below are a few examples .

• IPF occurs almost only in adult age group beyong 50 yrs.
• Sarcoidosis is more common in young and middle-aged adults than elderly. Also its more comon in African-American females.
• Pulmonary histiocytosis X occurs typically in cigarette smokers who are young.
• Respiratory bronchiolitis (RB-ILD) is more common in heavy cigarette smokers . There is no specific age group that it affects.
• Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) affects pre-menopausal women .

The initial symptoms of Idiopathic interstitial pneumonia are:

• Dyspnea which has a gradual onset > 6 months
• Nonproductive cough refractory to antitussive agents
• Low grade fever

However, sometimes a few symptoms due to the co-existing pathology are seen. Hence the following symptoms suggesting a connective tissue disorder should be carefully investigated.

• Joint pains or swelling
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Photosensitivity
• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Pleuritis
• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth

A lot of Idiopathic interstitial pneumonia cases have co-existing emphysema symptoms.

• Symptoms of emphysema
  • Hyperventilation
  • Chest expansion
  • Bluish discoloration of lips and fingers (Cyanosis)
  • Wheezing

• Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension
  • Fatigue
  • Syncope
  • Chest pain
  • Near Syncope
  • Palpitations
  • Leg swelling
  • Hemoptysis
  • Hoarseness

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