Recently, the incidence of “white lung” disease has increased in Europe, the US, and China. This illness is a concern for children and individuals with weakened immune systems.
What You Need to Know About White Lung Disease
What is White Lung Disease?
White lung syndrome (commonly referred to as white lung disease or dry lung) refers to the condition where the lungs appear white on X-ray images.
Lung X-rays are a familiar technique in medicine. An X-ray machine emits high-energy X-ray beams that penetrate organs, producing images based on the absorption and reflection of X-rays, showing organs like the lungs, heart, and blood vessels on the X-ray film. Organs inside the chest will appear on the X-ray in varying shades of white, gray, and black.
Normally, a healthy lung will appear clear on an X-ray (showing black areas for blood). However, due to pneumonia or other diseases, the lung images may show abnormal white areas.
Some common symptoms of white lung disease include:
- Dry cough or prolonged cough, possibly accompanied by phlegm
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Headaches
- Fatigue
X-ray image of white lung. (Illustrative photo).
Causes of White Lung Disease
Pneumonia Caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Pneumonia caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal agents can lead to white lung disease. Notably, pneumonia caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae has been on the rise recently.
Cigarette Smoke
Among regular smokers, the incidence of lung diseases such as white lung disease, pneumonia, pleural effusion, pulmonary tuberculosis, and lung cancer is significantly higher. Additionally, passive smoking (exposure to secondhand smoke) also increases the risk of lung diseases, especially white lung syndrome.
Unpredictable Weather Changes
This is a primary cause of many respiratory illnesses, including colds, dry coughs, productive coughs, and bronchitis. However, if not treated early and appropriately, these conditions can affect the lungs and lead to white lung disease.
Air Pollution and Living Environment
A polluted environment, filled with dust and industrial chemicals, is a major contributor to various health issues, including white lung disease.
Due to Exposure at Work
Workers in environments containing uranium, arsenic, or asbestos face a high risk of developing white lung disease. Prolonged exposure to asbestos, in particular, greatly increases the risk of lung cancer.
How Dangerous is White Lung Disease?
If detected early and treated promptly and correctly, white lung disease can be completely cured without affecting the patient’s health. Conversely, if treatment is delayed or incorrect, white lung disease can pose serious health risks, including:
- Formation of lung abscesses
- Pleural effusion and respiratory failure
- Sepsis: In some cases, bacteria can invade the bloodstream, causing bacteremia, which can rapidly spread to other organs, leading to multiple organ failure and potentially death if not treated in time.
Treatment for White Lung Disease
White lung syndrome is treatable; however, the treatment plan varies significantly based on the severity and underlying causes of the disease.
Depending on the cause of white lung disease, doctors will recommend appropriate treatment methods, such as antibiotics for infections, symptomatic treatment, and prevention of complications.
If white lung disease is due to other underlying conditions, doctors will address those conditions to improve the lung situation.
