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).

Recent Examples of pneumonitis from the Web

She was diagnosed with wet lung, formally called hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an inflammatory disease sparked by the immune system after inhaling toxins.

— josh hafner, USA TODAY, "Teen gets 'wet lung' after vaping for three weeks, prompting doctors to issue warning," 21 May 2018
Kessler, who turned 70 this year, skipped last year's race after being diagnosed with an interstitial lung disease called chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

— beth bragg, Anchorage Daily News, "Lung disease leaves this 70-year-old breathless, but it won’t keep her out of the Gold Nugget Triathlon," 19 May 2018
An 18-year-old woman was diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, also known as wet lung, a few weeks after taking up vaping.

— julia belluz, Vox, "Juul, the vape device teens are getting hooked on, explained," 18 May 2018
An 18-year-old developed the condition — formally known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis — after vaping for about only three weeks, according to a case study published in the medical journal Pediatrics.

— emma sarran webster, Teen Vogue, "Teenager Developed “Wet Lung” After Vaping for 3 Weeks," 17 May 2018
Her doctors diagnosed hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sometimes called wet lung, an inflammation of the lungs due to an allergic reaction to chemicals or dust.

— susan scutti, CNN, "Teen develops 'wet lung' after vaping for just 3 weeks," 17 May 2018
Eliana was then sent to Saratosa Hospital, where doctors gave the young girl antibiotics to treat aspiration pneumonia and chemical pneumonitis.

— jason duaine hahn, PEOPLE.com, "Mom Warns Parents to Stay Vigilant After 4-Year-Old Daughter Almost Dies From 'Secondary Drowning'," 25 Apr. 2018
Symptoms of pneumonitis may include shortness of breath, chest pain, or new or worse cough.

— dan gartland, SI.com, "Potential No. 1 Draft Pick Luka Doncic Hits Ankle-Breaking Step-Back Buzzer-Beater," 30 Mar. 2018
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis has been referred to as bird breeder’s lung and mushroom picker’s disease in specific occupations with a risk of HP from biological dusts.

— hillary gavan, The Seattle Times, "2 lung transplants save Wisconsin man’s life," 10 Jan. 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of pneumonitis

New Latin, from Greek pneumōn

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1817

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

pneumonitis

noun pneu·mo·ni·tis \ ˌn(y)ü-mə-ˈnīt-əs \

medical Definition of pneumonitis

plural pneumonitides play \-ˈnit-ə-ˌdēz\

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), 14 July 2013

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), 30 Oct. 2014

… 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, 1 Oct. 2014