Pneumonit

Pneumonit is not a standard medical term in English and may be a misspelling or transliteration of pneumonitis, which denotes inflammation of the lung parenchyma not primarily caused by infection. In some languages or contexts a variant spelling appears, but in contemporary English the preferred term is pneumonitis.

Pneumonitis encompasses a range of conditions with various causes. Common categories include hypersensitivity pneumonitis (an immune-mediated reaction to inhaled organic or other antigens), chemical or inhalational pneumonitis from exposure to solvents, fumes, smoke, or other irritants, drug-induced pneumonitis from medications such as certain chemotherapeutics or antibiotics, and radiation pneumonitis that can occur after chest radiotherapy. Aspiration of gastric contents can also produce pneumonitis. In many cases the exact cause may be unidentified (idiopathic).

Symptoms typically include cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue, with fever or chest discomfort more variable depending on the underlying cause. Diagnosis relies on history of exposure, physical examination, and imaging, most often chest CT which may show interstitial changes or ground-glass opacities. Blood tests, pulmonary function tests, and sometimes bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage or lung biopsy help distinguish pneumonitis from infection or other lung diseases.

Treatment focuses on removing the triggering exposure when possible. Anti-inflammatory therapy, particularly corticosteroids, is commonly used for inflammatory or hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Supportive care may include oxygen therapy. Prognosis varies by cause and severity; some forms resolve with removal of exposure, while others may progress to chronic lung disease or fibrosis if exposure persists or treatment is delayed. If symptoms arise, medical evaluation is advised.