Hamman-Rich syndrome: Difference between revisions
| Line 29: | Line 29: | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment of HR syndrome is primarily supportive. Management in an [[intensive care unit]] is required and the need for [[mechanical ventilation]] is common. Therapy with [[corticosteroids]] is generally attempted, though their usefulness has not been established as of 2005. | Treatment of HR syndrome is primarily supportive. Management in an [[intensive care unit]] is required and the need for [[mechanical ventilation]] is common. Therapy with [[corticosteroids]] is generally attempted, though their usefulness has not been established as of 2005. | ||
{{Respiratory pathology}} | {{Respiratory pathology}} | ||
Revision as of 19:12, 24 September 2012
Template:DiseaseDisorder infobox Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
|
Hamman-Rich syndrome Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Hamman-Rich syndrome On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Hamman-Rich syndrome |
Synonyms and keywords: Acute interstitial pneumonia; HR syndrome
Overview
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of Hamman-Rich syndrome are cough, fever, and difficulties breathing. These often occur over a period of one to two weeks before medical attention is sought. Difficulties breathing can quickly progress to an inability to breathe without support (respiratory failure).
Hamman-Rich syndrome typically progresses rapidly, with hospitalization and mechanical ventilation often required only days to weeks after initial symptoms of cough, fever, and difficulties breathing develop.
Diagnosis
Rapid progression from initial symptoms to respiratory failure is a key feature of Hamman-Rich syndrome. An x-ray which shows ARDS is necessary for diagnosis (fluid in the small air sacs (alveoli) in both lungs). In addition, a biopsy of the lung which shows organizing diffuse alveolar damage is required for diagnosis. Other diagnostic tests are useful excluding other similar condition, but history, x-ray, and biopsy are necessary. These other tests may include basic blood work, blood cultures, and bronchoalveolar lavage.
Treatment
Treatment of HR syndrome is primarily supportive. Management in an intensive care unit is required and the need for mechanical ventilation is common. Therapy with corticosteroids is generally attempted, though their usefulness has not been established as of 2005.
Template:Respiratory pathology