Lung Diseases Affecting the Interstitium
The interstitium is the microscopically thin, delicate lining between the lungs’ air sacs (alveoli). Tiny blood vessels run through the interstitium and allow gas exchange between the alveoli and the blood. Various lung diseases affect the interstitium:
Interstitial lung disease is a collection of different lung conditions affecting the interstitium. They are:-
Sarcoidosis
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Autoimmune disease
Pneumonia and pulmonary edemas can also affect the interstitium
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects multiple body organs, primarily the lungs and lymph glands. In people with sarcoidosis, abnormal masses or nodules consisting of inflamed tissues form in specific body organs. These nodules may alter the typical structure and possibly the function of the affected organ(s).
The Symptoms of Sarcoidosis.
- The symptoms of sarcoidosis can vary greatly, depending on which organs are involved. Most patients initially complain of a persistent dry cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include Tender reddish bumps or patches on the skin, red, teary eyes, or blurred vision.
- Swollen and painful joints.
- Enlarged and tender lymph glands in the neck, armpits, and groin.
- Enlarged lymph glands in the chest and around the lungs.
- Hoarse voice.
- Pain in the hands, feet, or other bony areas due to the formation of cysts (an abnormal sac-like growth) in bones.
- Kidney stone formation.
- Enlarged liver.
Development of abnormal or missed heartbeats, inflammation of the covering of the heart, or heart failure.
Nervous system effects include hearing loss, meningitis, seizures, or psychiatric disorders (such as dementia, depression, and psychosis).
In some people, symptoms may begin suddenly or severely and subside in a short period. Others may have no outward signs, even though organs are affected. Still, others may have symptoms that appear slowly but last or recur over a long time.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a severe disease that will significantly affect your life.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a type of lung disease that results in scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs for an unknown reason. Over time, the scarring worsens, it becomes hard to take in a deep breath, and the lungs cannot take in enough oxygen.
The cause of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is not entirely understood. No one knows what causes idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or why some people get it. “Idiopathic” means of unknown cause. Common risk factors for IPF include:
Genetics (family history): if more than one family member has IPF, the disease is familial pulmonary fibrosis.
Cigarette smoking: Approximately 75% of people with IPF are current or previous cigarette smokers.
Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD]):
Symptoms
Symptoms typically include a gradual onset of shortness of breath and a dry cough. Other changes may include feeling tired and nail clubbing.
There is no known cure for IPF; some medications can slow the disease’s growth. The life expectancy is ten years after being diagnosed, and there is also a lung transplant, but that is major surgery. Autoimmune disease
Autoimmune disease
A disease in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells.
In immune system overactivity, the body attacks and damages its tissues (autoimmune diseases). Immune deficiency diseases decrease the body’s ability to fight invaders, causing infection vulnerability.
Common diseases that are considered autoimmune are:-
Rheumatoid arthritis
A chronic inflammatory disorder affects many joints, including the hands and feet.
Lupus
Inflammatory disease is caused when the immune system attacks its tissues.
Multiple sclerosis
A disease in which the immune system eats away at the protective covering of nerves.
Type 1 diabetes
A chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin.
Alopecia areata
Sudden hair loss starts with one or more circular bald patches that may overlap.
Temporal arteritis
Inflammation of blood vessels, called arteries, in and around the scalp
Vasculitis
Inflammation of the blood vessels causes changes in the blood vessel walls.
Ankylosing spondylitis
Inflammatory arthritis affects the spine and large joints.
Celiac disease
An immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Sjogren’s Syndrome
An immune system disorder characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth.
I have listed a few diseases considered autoimmune, but there are many more.
So we need to try and prevent these diseases by having a healthy lifestyle; quit smoking if you are. It seems that 75% of these diseases are caused by smoking.
Have a healthy diet, keep away from sugars and pastries a little now, and then cut out or down on alcoholic beverages, no overindulgence, more fruits and vegetables, and a little exercise.
I know that sometimes even with the precautions taken, we still get sick, but our immune system will be strong enough to fight these diseases
I have placed a link to some easy exercises from silver sneakers, try and do these at least three times per week
https://www.facebook.com/silversneakers/videos/10156739403047432/
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