Treatment for Pneumonitis

Creator: Dr. Lakshmi Venkataraman
Keywords: How to Treat Pneumonitis, Prevent Pneumonitis, Oxygen therapy, allergens, Bronchodilators

Medically Reviewed by The Medindia Medical Review Team on Sep 21, 2018

How can you Treat Pneumonitis?

Treatment of pneumonitis is dependent on the underlying cause

Avoid the allergen that triggers the symptoms and lung inflammation
Corticosteroids - Help in suppressing the immune system in allergic and autoimmune pneumonitis. They also help to reduce lung inflammation. They are taken as tablets and should be supervised by your doctor. Side effects due to long term use include weight gain, thinning of bone, increased risk of infections

Oxygen therapy - If you are severely short of breath even at rest, oxygen therapy may be necessary. It is administered

via an oxygen mask or prongs within each nostril
Bronchodilators - These medicines relax the smooth muscle of the airways and make breathing easier
Surgery - In cases with severe lung damage and failure of the above measures, you may be suitable for a lung transplant. You will be put on a waiting list and must wait till a suitable donor becomes available

Avoid and protect yourself from occupational exposure to allergen or chemicals
Regularly clean and maintain humidifiers, hot tubs and air conditioners
Consult a doctor for a cough or breathlessness that is persistent; early diagnosis and treatment will prevent complications

Pneumonitis - General information - (https://patient.info/doctor/pneumonitis#nav-5)
Pneumonitis - (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pneumonitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352628)

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