Common Misdiagnoses of Pneumonitis

Pneumonitis is a non-infectious lung inflammation that if often confused with pneumonia, which is an infectious inflammation. The most common symptoms of pneumonitis are breathing difficulty and coughing. There may also be aches, fatigue, fever and malaise. These signs alone are not indicators that a patient has pneumonitis. Specialized tests have to be conducted to diagnose the condition.

Causes or underlying conditions that lead to pneumonitis include:

• Allergies
• Chest radiation therapy
• Exposure to airborne chemicals or particles, such as asbestos or silica
• Exposure to certain kinds of fowls, including poultry, pigeons and pet birds
• Exposure to mold
• Certain types of medications

Undiagnosed or untreated pneumonitis can lead to irreversible lung damage. Usually, air sacs expand and relax with each breath. However, chronic pneumonitis scars the lining of the air sacs, making them less flexible. This condition is called pulmonary fibrosis which can lead to heart failure, respiratory failure or even death.

Common Misdiagnoses of Pneumonitis

A proper diagnosis for pneumonitis should include tests that distinguish the condition from other lung disorders. These tests include imaging tests, such as a chest x-ray and a CT scan. Blood tests are also taken to determine the patient's overall health and to detect any underlying condition. Pulmonary function tests are also given. One such test is the spirometry test, which measures the amount of air a patient is able to inhale and exhale. During this exercise, the doctor is able to determine how efficiently the lungs transfer gases from the air into the bloodstream. Another pulmonary function test is the oximeter. The oximeter is a device that is clamped to the patient's finger to measure the oxygen saturation in the blood.

Other possible tests to diagnose pneumonitis include a bronchoscopy, during which a flexible tube is threaded down the patient's throat to allow the doctor to view the airways as well as collect samples from the patient's lungs. A surgical lung biopsy may be necessary to collect samples if a doctor is not able to do so with a bronchoscopy.

Treatment for pneumonitis may include avoiding certain allergens, especially if the patient has a hypersensitivity to these chemicals. However, in the more severe cases, treatments may include a prescription of corticosteroids that reduce inflammation and antibiotics in cases of bacterial infections. Additionally, if the patient has difficulty breathing, the doctor may prescribe oxygen therapy for everyday activities or for sleep.

Diagnosing pneumonitis can prevent severe complications such as the aforementioned pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore a timely and proper diagnosis is important. However, the condition is sometimes mistaken for other disorders, such as common allergic reactions, asthma, COPD or emphysema, all of which entail various types of treatments that may not be effective (or can have adverse results) in someone with pneumonitis.

Talk with an Attorney

If you suffer from pneumonitis that went undiagnosed and untreated and this has led to other complications such as pulmonary fibrosis, you have a cause of action for medical malpractice. You are entitled to compensation for certain damages, including the additional costs arising from the malpractice, such as medical expenses and any lost wages. In some cases, you may also include pain and suffering. Talk with an experienced medical malpractice attorney to discuss the details of your situation.