longinfiltraat

Longinfiltraat refers to the presence of abnormal substances within the lung parenchyma, the tissue responsible for gas exchange. These substances can be varied and their nature dictates the specific condition and its clinical presentation. Common infiltrates include inflammatory cells, fluid (edema), pus (in cases of pneumonia), blood (hemorrhage), or even neoplastic cells (cancer).

Radiographically, infiltrates often appear as opacities on chest X-rays or CT scans, obscuring the normal, air-filled lung structures. The distribution and appearance of these opacities can provide clues to the underlying cause. For example, lobar pneumonia typically presents as a dense, homogenous consolidation in a specific lobe, while diffuse infiltrates might suggest conditions like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or interstitial lung diseases.

The symptoms associated with longinfiltraat depend heavily on the cause and extent of the infiltration. They can range from asymptomatic findings on imaging to severe respiratory distress, cough (which may be productive of sputum), fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical assessment, imaging studies, and sometimes laboratory tests such as sputum analysis or bronchoscopy to identify the specific substance causing the infiltrate and guide appropriate treatment.