Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Fibrosing alveolitis
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Alveolitis can refer to two inflammatory conditions. It can refer to inflammation of the alveoli in the lungs, or the dental alveolus in the jaw.
Extrinsic allergic alveolitis is a lung disorder resulting from repeated inhalation of organic dust, usually in a specific occupational setting. In the acute form, respiratory symptoms and fever begin several hours after exposure to the dust. The chronic form is characterized by gradual changes in the lung tissue associated with several years of exposure to the irritant.
References
References
“Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis” Ismail, T., McSharry, C., Boyd, G. Respirology 2006 11:262-268