What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Acute Interstitial Pneumonitis
• AIP (Acute Interstitial Pneumonia)
• Hamman-Rich Syndrome

What is Acute Interstitial Pneumonia? (Definition/Background Information)

• Acute Interstitial Pneumonia (AIP) is a rare and serious condition that affects the lungs
• The underlying cause of AIP is unknown. Most cases occur sporadically in people with no family history of the condition
• The signs and symptoms of Acute Interstitial Pneumonia generally develop and progress rapidly
  • In the early stages of the condition, affected people may experience upper respiratory and/or viral-like symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and fever
  • This is followed by the rapid onset of respiratory failure and the need for mechanical ventilation in the majority of cases
• There is, unfortunately, no proven treatment for AIP. Supportive care is generally recommended to address the signs and symptoms of the condition. Glucocorticoid therapy and other immunosuppressive therapies are often used; however, the benefits of these treatments remain unclear

(Source: Acute Interstitial Pneumonia; Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS), USA.)

Who gets Acute Interstitial Pneumonia? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Acute Interstitial Pneumonia is a rare disorder that typically affects individuals over the age of 40 years
• Both males and females may be affected
• Worldwide, individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Acute Interstitial Pneumonia? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no risk factors have been clearly identified for Acute Interstitial Pneumonia

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Acute Interstitial Pneumonia? (Etiology)

The exact cause of development of Acute Interstitial Pneumonia is not known at the present time.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Acute Interstitial Pneumonia?

The signs and symptoms of Acute Interstitial Pneumonia that may develop rapidly are as follows:

• Cough
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Acute respiratory failure 

How is Acute Interstitial Pneumonia Diagnosed?

Acute Interstitial Pneumonia is diagnosed on the basis of the following information:

• Complete physical examination
• Thorough medical history evaluation
• Assessment of signs and symptoms
• Laboratory tests
• Imaging studies

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Acute Interstitial Pneumonia?

The complications of Acute Interstitial Pneumonia may include:

• Progressive deterioration of the condition causing severe breathing difficulties
• Recurrence of Acute Interstitial Pneumonia even after treatment

Complications may occur with or without treatment, and in some cases, due to treatment also.

How is Acute Interstitial Pneumonia Treated?

There is no cure for Acute Interstitial Pneumonia; treatment is usually given to manage the signs and symptoms and any complication that develops, till the condition resolves.

The symptomatic treatments may involve:

• Administration of corticosteroids
• Use of mecahnical ventilator to ease breathing

How can Acute Interstitial Pneumonia be Prevented?

• The cause and risk factors for Acute Interstitial Pneumonia are not known. Therefore, no guidelines or methods are available for its prevention
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of disorders such as Acute Interstitial Pneumonia
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are recommended

What is the Prognosis of Acute Interstitial Pneumonia? (Outcomes/Resolutions) 

• The prognosis of Acute Interstitial Pneumonia is poor. It is reported that more than 60% of the affected individuals succumb to the condition
• Following its treatment, the likelihood of recurrence of Acute Interstitial Pneumonia remains

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Acute Interstitial Pneumonia:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/rare-disorders/