Desquamative Interstitial Pneumonia

Desquamative interstitial pneumonia (DIP) is smoking-related interstitial lung disease with diffuse macrophage accumulation in alveoli, presenting with gradual dyspnea, cough, and bibasilar crackles, almost exclusively in heavy smokers. Treatment: smoking cessation (most important); supportive care; oxygen; pulmonary rehab; systemic corticosteroids in progressive; avoid second-hand smoke; monitor for progression; treat comorbidities.

Common Symptoms

Gradual dyspnea/cough; bibasilar crackles; heavy-smoker history; HRCT ground-glass opacities

Causes and Pathogenesis

Smoking causes alveolar macrophage accumulation and interstitial inflammation/fibrosis.

Treatment

Smoking cessation (most important); supportive; steroids in progressive; oxygen/rehab

Preventive Measures

Smoking cessation; avoid second-hand smoke.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Pulmonology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.