Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

Lipoid pneumonia, also known as lipid pneumonia, is a rare form of pneumonia caused by the inhalation or absorption of oily substances into the lungs. This condition most commonly affects individuals exposed to significant amounts of oily mist, such as in certain industrial settings, or the elderly. The oil can enter the respiratory tract, leading to the formation of scar tissue within the lung. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing and a cough, and it is often a chronic condition. Treatment is typically not necessary unless symptoms are severe. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a related disorder where the air sacs in the lungs fill with excessive surfactant, a mixture of protein and lipid molecules, hindering gas exchange.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.