alveolitis is defined as
alveolitis. [al′vē·əlī′tis]. an inflammation of the alveoli of the lungs caused by the inhalation of an allergen. It is characterized by acute episodes of dyspnea, cough, diaphoresis, fever, weakness, and pain in the joints and muscles lasting from 12 to 18 hours. Alveoli: The plural of alveolus. The alveoli are tiny air sacs within the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. Definition. Pneumonitis (noo-moe-NIE-tis) is a general term that refers to inflammation of lung tissue. Although pneumonia is technically a type of pneumonitis because the infection causes inflammation, most doctors are referring to other causes of lung inflammation when they use the term pneumonitis.. Factors that can cause pneumonitis include exposure to airborne irritants at your job or from your hobbies. In addition, some types of cancer treatments and dozens of drugs can cause pneumonitis. Difficulty breathing — often accompanied by a dry (nonproductive) cough — is the most common symptom of pneumonitis. Specialized tests are necessary to make a diagnosis. Treatment focuses on avoiding irritants and reducing inflammation. 1  Symptoms. Plural alveoli (ăl-vē′ə-lī′). Any of the tiny air-filled sacs arranged in clusters in the lungs that allow oxygen to diffuse into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide to diffuse out of it. Also called air sac. alveolitis. inflammation of the walls of the alveoli; definition of pulmonary, dental, mammary preferred. diffuse alveolitis. see interstitial pneumonia. diffuse fibrosing alveolitis. see atypical interstitial pneumonia, interstitial pneumonia. Alveolitis can refer to two inflammatory conditions. It can refer to inflammation of the alveoli in the lungs, or the dental alveolus in the jaw. Alveolitis in the jaw is also known as dry socket. This type of inflamed tooth socket is usually seen after tooth extractions in smokers or people with diabetes. Alveolitis is the accumulation of inflammatory and immune effector cells within the alveolar walls and spaces. Extrinsic allergic alveolitis is a lung disorder resulting from repeated inhalation of organic dust, usually in a specific occupational setting. 2. alveolitis-inflammation of the alveoli in the lungs caused by inhaling dust; with repeated exposure the condition may become chronic. farmer's lung, thresher's lung-alveolitis caused by an allergic reaction to fungal spores in the dust that is inhaled from moldy hay. a little hollow, as the socket of a tooth, a follicle of an acinous gland, or a pulmonary alveolus. adj., adj alve´olar. dental alveoli the cavities or sockets of either jaw, in which the roots of the teeth are embedded. pulmonary alveoli small outpouchings along the walls of the alveolar sacs and alveolar ducts; through them, gas exchange takes place between alveolar gas and pulmonary capillary blood. 2. (Anatomy) any of the sockets in which the roots of the teeth are embedded. 3. (Anatomy) any of the tiny air sacs in the lungs at the end of the bronchioles, through which oxygen is taken into the blood. [C18: from Latin: a little hollow, diminutive of alveus ]. (aelˈvi ælˈvi ə). ləs., n. pl 1. alveolitis-inflammation in the socket of a tooth; sometimes occurs after a tooth is extracted and a blood clot fails to form. dry socket. inflammation, redness, rubor-a response of body tissues to injury or irritation; characterized by pain and swelling and redness and heat.
Inflammation of the alveoli in the lungs caused by inhaling dust; with repeated exposure the condition may become chronic.