What are the symptoms and causes of white lung disease?

Sep 19, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Ren Yi

Introduction

White lung may present symptoms such as fatigue, cough, fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. It can be caused by long-term smoking, aging, bacterial pneumonia, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and other factors. To prevent it, one should maintain healthy lifestyle habits and regular exercise to enhance lung function and immunity.

Generally, "white lung" disease refers to the appearance of extensive white areas in the lungs observed on imaging tests. White lung may present symptoms such as fatigue, cough, fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. It can be caused by long-term smoking, aging, bacterial pneumonia, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and other factors. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Specific analysis is as follows:

I. Symptoms of White Lung

1. Fatigue
White lung is often associated with severe respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, which may lead to physical exhaustion and low energy due to disease burden and breathing difficulties. Treatment may include medications such as dexamethasone acetate tablets, prednisolone tablets, and mecobalamin tablets under medical guidance.

2. Cough
Due to pulmonary inflammation and exudates, dry cough or cough with sputum may occur in white lung cases. Medications such as ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution, oseltamivir phosphate granules, and acetylcysteine capsules may be used under a doctor's supervision.

3. Fever
In cases of white lung, fever may result from infection or inflammatory responses, and its severity often correlates with the extent of lung inflammation. It is recommended to use medications such as acetaminophen tablets, indomethacin tablets, or ibuprofen granules under medical guidance.

4. Chest Pain
Chest pain may arise when lung inflammation affects the pleura or intercostal nerves. It is advisable to follow medical advice and use medications such as nitroglycerin tablets, meloxicam tablets, or nimesulide tablets for treatment.

5. Difficulty Breathing
Due to pulmonary exudates affecting multiple lung lobes and resulting in reduced lung function, varying degrees of dyspnea may occur. Treatment may involve medications such as aminophylline tablets, salbutamol aerosol, or terbutaline sulfate tablets as recommended by a physician.

II. Causes of White Lung

1. Long-Term Smoking
Prolonged smoking leads to the accumulation of harmful substances such as tar and nicotine in the lungs, causing damage to airways and lung tissue. This triggers inflammatory reactions and repair processes, and over time, accumulated damage may result in whitening of lung tissue on imaging. No specific medical treatment is required; however, quitting smoking in daily life is essential.

2. Aging
With advancing age, declining lung function and structural changes in the lungs may appear as white areas on imaging studies. Treatment under medical supervision may include medications such as pidotimod granules, vitamin E soft capsules, and isosorbide nitrate tablets.

3. Bacterial Pneumonia
Lung infections caused by bacteria such as *Streptococcus pneumoniae* or *Staphylococcus aureus* can lead to inflammation and exudation in the lungs. In severe cases, this results in the "white lung" appearance, commonly accompanied by symptoms like sputum production, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Treatment may include penicillin V potassium tablets, transfer factor capsules, and ipratropium bromide inhalation solution as directed by a physician.

4. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
This contagious respiratory illness, caused by a coronavirus, invades lung tissue, leading to increased pulmonary inflammation and exudates, thereby causing the "white lung" condition. It is also associated with symptoms such as fever and cough. It is recommended to use ribavirin tablets, azithromycin tablets, and ibuprofen tablets under medical supervision.

5. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
ARDS is an acute, diffuse lung injury triggered by severe infections, trauma, or other factors. It causes widespread inflammation and fluid exudation in the lungs, appearing as white regions on imaging. Symptoms may include rapid breathing and respiratory distress. Treatment should follow medical advice and may involve dexamethasone tablets, cefuroxime axetil tablets, and warfarin sodium tablets.

Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and regular exercise can help strengthen lung function and immunity. Routine health check-ups are important for early detection and management of lung conditions.

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How long does it take to recover from white lung treatment?

In general, the recovery time for white lung disease depends on the individual's physical condition and the severity of the illness. If the person is in good health and the condition is mild, improvement may occur gradually within 1-2 months. However, for those in poor health or with more severe symptoms, the recovery process may take 3-4 months or even longer. If any discomfort symptoms arise, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital.

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What are the symptoms of white lung?

Under normal circumstances, symptoms of white lung disease include difficulty breathing, coughing, chest pain, fever, weakness, and fatigue. Patients with white lung disease may take medications such as ribavirin granules, oseltamivir phosphate capsules, and acyclovir capsules orally under a doctor's guidance to improve their condition. During treatment, it is important to maintain a dry and clean environment and avoid excessive dampness.

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What are the symptoms of white lung disease?

White lung disease usually refers to a radiological manifestation of severe pneumonia, indicating widespread inflammation or consolidation in the lungs. Common symptoms of white lung disease may include difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, cough with purulent sputum, chest pain, and general fatigue. Patients experiencing these symptoms are advised to seek timely medical attention and receive treatment under the guidance of a physician.

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What is the main cause of white lung disease?

Under normal circumstances, the main causes of white lung disease may include age-related factors, environmental factors, lung infections, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pancreatitis, and other similar causes. Symptomatic treatment is required through general treatment, medication, and other methods. During the treatment process, it is recommended to maintain good lifestyle habits, such as balanced diet and regular作息 (作息 translates to作息 rhythm or sleep patterns), which can help reduce the occurrence of diseases.