pneumonitis

noun

pneu·mo·ni·tis | \ ˌnü-mə-ˈnī-təs

, ˌnyü- \

Definition of pneumonitis

: acute or chronic inflammation of the lungs that is characterized especially by cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and fever, and may result in the development of fibrotic scar tissue when chronic or untreated

Note: While pneumonitis and pneumonia are often used synonymously, pneumonitis is typically used when the cause is a noninfectious agent (such as a chemical or radiation).

The fungus caused an outbreak of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an inflammation of the lungs triggered by an allergic reaction.— Faye Rice

Examples of pneumonitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And nearly one in five developed a potentially fatal lung condition known as noninfectious pneumonitis — the condition Preston-Martin developed. — John Fauber And Coulter Jones, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2021 She was diagnosed with pneumonitis, was taken off the drug and treated to clear up the condition. — John Fauber And Coulter Jones, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2021 Those numbers compare with more than 41,000 people without Down syndrome who died, but just 20% died from the coronavirus, 14% from pneumonia or pneumonitis and 65% died of other causes. — Shelby Lin Erdman And Katia Hetter, CNN, 23 Oct. 2020 Symptoms of pneumonitis may include: new or worsening cough; chest pain; and shortness of breath. — Kara Wahlgren, Good Housekeeping, 8 Apr. 2020 Symptoms of pneumonitis may include: new or worsening cough; chest pain; and shortness of breath. — Kara Wahlgren, Good Housekeeping, 8 Apr. 2020 Symptoms of pneumonitis may include: new or worsening cough; chest pain; and shortness of breath. — Kara Wahlgren, Good Housekeeping, 8 Apr. 2020 Serious side effects may include: ● Lung problems (pneumonitis). — Rachel Reiff Ellis, Woman's Day, 17 Mar. 2020 Symptoms of pneumonitis may include: new or worsening cough; chest pain; and shortness of breath. — Rachel Reiff Ellis, Woman's Day, 17 Mar. 2020 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pneumonitis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near pneumonitis

pneumonic

pneumonitis

pneumonography

Statistics for pneumonitis

Cite this Entry

“Pneumonitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pneumonitis. Accessed 7 Jul. 2022.

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More Definitions for pneumonitis

pneumonitis

noun

pneu·mo·ni·tis | \ ˌn(y)ü-mə-ˈnīt-əs

plural pneumonitides\ -ˈnit-ə-ˌdēz

Medical Definition of pneumonitis

Note: While pneumonitis and pneumonia are often used synonymously, pneumonitis is typically used when the source is a noninfectious agent.

… mold in damp indoor environments is associated with upper respiratory (nasal and throat) tract symptoms, cough, hypersensitivity pneumonitis in susceptible people, wheeze, and asthma symptoms … — Michele Melton, The Forsyth County News (Cumming, Georgia) In one incident this year, a worker was treated for chemical pneumonitis, an inflammation of the lungs caused by chemical exposure. — Annette Cary, The Tri-City Herald (Kennewick, Washington) … studies have suggested that one such condition—radiation-induced pneumonitis—may occur in up to 15 percent of patients receiving radiation therapy for lung cancer.— John George, The Philadelphia Business Journal