Let's learn about severe pneumonia that affects both lungs (Bilateral Interstitial Pneumonia).

Have you ever had a fever with severe shortness of breath, a dry cough that doesn't produce any mucus? Sometimes we think it's just a common cold or flu, but it can be something more serious. Today we're talking about a condition called 'Bilateral Interstitial Pneumonia ', which affects both of our lungs at once, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic. Don't worry, let's explain it simply.

Simply put, what is this condition?

Imagine your lungs as an organ filled with millions of tiny air sacs, the size of tiny grapes. When we breathe, air fills these air sacs. The delicate network of tissue surrounding these air sacs is called interstitial tissue .

Now, when this interstitial tissue becomes swollen, infected , and filled with pus- like fluids due to a bacterial or viral infection, we call it 'Interstitial Pneumonia. ' The word 'bilateral' means 'on both sides.' That means this condition affects both of your lungs at the same time .

The reason this is a bit serious is that when the tissue is continuously infected in this way, over time, permanent scarring can occur in that tissue. Just like when a wound on our skin heals, a scar forms. This scarring causes the lungs to lose their flexibility, thicken, and make it very difficult to breathe properly. Sometimes this condition can quickly become severe and even lead to respiratory failure.

The connection between COVID-19 and this disease

The COVID-19 virus is also spread through droplets that enter the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. While most people who get COVID-19 experience mild symptoms similar to the common cold, some people can develop a more severe, potentially fatal complication called bilateral interstitial pneumonia.

What are the main symptoms of this?

The symptoms of this disease are very similar to the symptoms of a severe case of COVID-19. See if you have these symptoms too.

How exactly does the doctor find this?

When you go to see a doctor, he or she will examine you, ask about your symptoms, and may order several tests to rule out this condition.

• CT Scan: This is a powerful type of X-ray. It can take very clear pictures of the lungs. In CT scans of people with this disease, doctors can see white spots in the lungs called "ground glass," which look like dusty glass. These indicate damage to lung tissue.

• Pulmonary Function Test: This measures how well your lungs work and how much air you can take in and out. You may be asked to do things like blow air into a tube quickly.

• Bronchoscopy: In this, a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached is passed through your nose or mouth into your lungs, the airways are flushed with a small amount of saline solution, and the fluid is then withdrawn and examined. The fluid is checked for elevated white blood cell counts.

• Biopsy: This is not necessary for everyone. However, in some cases, during the bronchoscopy procedure mentioned above, a very small piece of lung tissue is taken and examined under a microscope to further confirm the extent of tissue damage.

What are the treatments for this?

Treatment options vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. All of these treatments are determined by your doctor.

• Antiviral medications: If the condition is caused by a viral infection like COVID-19, antiviral medications may be given to prevent the disease from getting worse. For example, drugs like ` Paxlovid` or `Remdesivir` given intravenously are used.

• Oxygen Therapy: If breathing is difficult, oxygen is given through a nasal tube or mask. If the condition is severe, you may be admitted to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) and connected to a ventilator .

• Corticosteroids: Steroid medications, such as prednisone, can help control inflammation and infection in the lungs. However, they don't work for everyone, and they can cause side effects.

• Immune-suppressing drugs: Drugs that suppress the immune system, such as ` Azathioprine` and `Mycophenolate mofetil`, are sometimes used.

• Anti-fibrotic drugs: Remember when we said that permanent scarring occurs in the lungs? This scarring cannot be reversed. However, drugs like `nintedanib (Ofev)` and `pirfenidone (Esbriet)` can slow down the rate at which this scarring occurs and help control the progression of the disease.

• Other treatments: In addition to this, pulmonary rehabilitation, which includes breathing exercises to strengthen the lungs, and if no other treatments are successful, a lung transplant may be considered as a last resort.

How can we protect ourselves from situations like this?

We all know that "it is better to prevent a disease than to treat it after it has developed." So, be sure to follow these things to keep your lungs healthy.

• Avoid smoking completely. If you smoke, quit today. It's the best thing you can do for your lungs.
• To prevent infections, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Get vaccinated on time for COVID-19 and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth without washing your hands.
• When hand washing is not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home as much as possible and protect others, except to see a doctor.