alveolar proteinosis, a very rare disease marked by the accumulation of plasma proteins, lipoproteins, and other blood components in the alveoli of the lungs, impairing the ability of the lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. The disease tends to affect previously healthy young adults, with a higher incidence among males than females. The cause is unknown. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: Clinical signs vary, although only the lungs are affected. Some patients are asymptomatic, whereas others experience dyspnea and an unproductive cough. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: The condition may be treated with bronchopulmonary lavage. Correction of granulocyte-macrophage colony−stimulating factor (GM-CSF) deficiency with exogenous GM-CSF is an alternative therapy. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: The care of patients with minimal symptoms is conservatively managed. Patients with hypoxemia require a more aggressive approach. There is a risk of secondary infections.
