Etymed
alveolitis
Definition
Inflammation of the alveoli, the small air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs
Clinical context
A 65-year-old construction worker presents with progressive dyspnea and dry cough over several weeks. He has a history of asbestos exposure and is found to have bilateral interstitial infiltrates on chest imaging. Pulmonary function tests show restrictive physiology with reduced diffusion capacity. The patient's condition is diagnosed as alveolitis secondary to occupational exposure.
Mnemonic
ALVEOLI - Air sacs inflamed in pneumo/interstitial lung disease