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How is pulmonary alveolar proteinosis diagnosed?

Physical examination may reveal clubbing of the fingers or a bluish coloration of the skin as a result of decreased oxygen. A chest X-ray may show dense shadows similar to pulmonary edema. An arterial blood gases reveals low oxygen levels in the blood. Pulmonary function tests may show restrictive lung disease and abnormal diffusion. High-resolution CT scan of the chest may show dense bilateral infiltrates in the lungs Bronchoscopy with lavage (washing the lungs with saline) may show a milky fluid.

More information on pulmonary alveolar proteinosis

What is pulmonary alveolar proteinosis? - Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare lung disorder in which the tiny air sacs of the lungs fill up with a secreted material known as surfactant.
What causes pulmonary alveolar proteinosis? - The cause of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is unknown. It appears to result from infection, immune deficiency, or from exposure to silica.
What're the symptoms of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis? - Symptoms of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis include mild shortness of breath associated with a nonproductive or minimally productive cough, weight loss.
How is pulmonary alveolar proteinosis diagnosed? - Pulmonary function tests may show restrictive lung disease and abnormal diffusion.
What's the treatment for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis? - The only treatment for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is removal of the excessive surfactant material from the alveoli.
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