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All about pulmonary alveolar proteinosis causes of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis symptoms of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis diagnosis of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis treatment for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis

What's the treatment for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis?

People who have few or no symptoms do not require treatment. For those with disabling symptoms, the only treatment proven to be effective is removal of the excessive surfactant material from the alveoli. This is accomplished using a procedure known as whole lung lavage. During this procedure, one lung is repeatedly washed out with a mild salt solution while the other lung is ventilated with pure oxygen.

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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