Alveolitis

Alveolitis is the general medical term for lung tissue that is inflamed or damaged, either acute or chronic. The symptoms include wheezing, dry coughs, difficulty breathing, and bluish appearance of the skin.

It is normally seen in two forms that are known as hypersensitive pneumonitis and fibrosing alveolitis. Hypersensitive pneumonitis starts as a reaction to allergens encountered in the work environment. The cause of fibrous alveolitis is currently unknown but has a severe effect on the gas-exchanging function of the lungs.