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. Recurrent episodes may lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with weight loss, increasing exertional dyspnea, and interstitial fibrosis. X-ray images of the lungs may show cellular thickening of alveolar septa and ill-defined generalized infiltrates. Kinds include bagassosis, farmer’s lung, pigeon breeder’s lung.
