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.
Idiopathic interstitial pneumonia history and symptoms
Introduction
Overview
Overview
History
History
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 .
Symptoms
Symptoms
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
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Chetan Lokhande, M.B.B.S [2]