What are the causes of white lung due to interstitial pneumonia?
Aug 06, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
In general, interstitial pneumonia may lead to whitening of the lungs on imaging, which could be caused by increased alveolar exudates, pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, worsening infection, abnormal autoimmune responses, drug-induced lung injury, or other factors. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, one should avoid exposure to irritants such as dust and smoke.
Generally, interstitial pneumonia may cause whitening of the lungs due to increased alveolar exudates, pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, worsening infection, abnormal autoimmune reactions, drug-induced lung injury, and other causes. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a reputable hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Increased Alveolar Exudates
Inflammatory stimulation increases the permeability of pulmonary capillaries, causing accumulation of fluids, proteins, and other exudates within the alveoli, which affects X-ray penetration and results in a whitened lung appearance. Strict bed rest is recommended to reduce oxygen consumption in the lungs, and diuretics such as furosemide tablets should be used under medical guidance to promote absorption of the exudates.
2. Pulmonary Interstitial Fibrosis
Long-term inflammation causes excessive proliferation of pulmonary interstitial fibroblasts and collagen deposition, leading to thickening of the interstitium, which hinders light penetration and causes the lungs to appear white. Long-term oxygen therapy can improve hypoxia, and anti-fibrotic drugs such as pirfendone capsules and nintedanib soft capsules (under medical guidance) can be used to slow disease progression.
3. Worsening Infection
Continuous infection with pathogens such as bacteria or viruses intensifies pulmonary inflammatory responses, causing infiltration of numerous inflammatory cells, which increases lung density and results in whitening. Targeted medication should be used according to the type of pathogen—for bacterial infections, amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets or cefixime dispersible tablets may be used under medical guidance, while antiviral drugs such as ribavirin tablets are used for viral infections.
4. Abnormal Autoimmune Response
Autoantibodies attacking lung tissue trigger chronic inflammation, leading to destruction of interstitial and alveolar structures, resulting in lung whitening. Under medical guidance, glucocorticoids such as prednisone acetate tablets should be used to suppress the immune response, in combination with immunosuppressants like methotrexate tablets or cyclophosphamide tablets to regulate immune function.
5. Drug-Induced Lung Injury
Certain drugs, such as amiodarone, may cause lung inflammation or fibrosis, resulting in whitening on imaging studies. Prompt medical evaluation is necessary, and related drugs should be discontinued under medical guidance and replaced with alternative medications. Prednisolone acetate tablets may also be used to reduce lung injury.
In daily life, avoid exposure to irritants such as dust and smoke; maintain warmth to prevent respiratory infections; engage in moderate breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing; undergo regular pulmonary imaging examinations to monitor disease progression, and adjust treatment plans according to medical advice.
