Interstitial Lung Diseases—Inhalation Injuries

There are a variety of substances you can inhale that can cause acute internal injuries. Particles in the air from fires and toxic fumes can damage your eyes and respiratory system. They also can make chronic heart and lung diseases worse.

Symptoms of acute inhalation injuries may include

Coughing and phlegm
A scratchy throat
Irritated sinuses
Shortness of breath
Chest pain or tightness
Headaches
Stinging eyes
A runny nose
If you already have asthma, it may get worse.

The best way to prevent inhalation injuries is to limit your exposure. If you smell or see smoke, or know that fires are nearby, you should leave the area if you are at greater risk from breathing smoke.

Environmental Protection Agency

Interstitial lung disease is the name for a large group of diseases that inflame or scar the lungs. The inflammation and scarring make it hard to get enough oxygen. The scarring is called pulmonary fibrosis.

Breathing in dust or other particles in the air is responsible for some types of interstitial lung diseases. Specific types include

Black lung disease among coal miners, from inhaling coal dust
Farmer’s lung, from inhaling farm dust
Asbestosis, from inhaling asbestos fibers
Siderosis, from inhaling iron from mines or welding fumes
Silicosis, from inhaling silica dust

Other causes include autoimmune diseases or occupational exposures to molds, gases, or fumes. Some types of interstitial lung disease have no known cause.

Treatment depends on the type of exposure and the stage of the disease. It may involve medicines, oxygen therapy, or a lung transplant in severe cases.