pneumonitis

noun

pneu·​mo·​ni·​tis ˌnü-mə-ˈnī-təs 

ˌnyü-

: 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

Those will use in the setting of a child who has developed pneumonitis, who's hospitalized, has respiratory distress. —CBS News, 23 Mar. 2025

If a Cheerio winds up in the patient's lung, that could lead to aspiration, pneumonitis or a possible stay in the ICU. —Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025

Price said her son, Waylon, has been diagnosed with chemical pneumonitis — a form of lung irritation – since the raid. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2024

The baby is now in the ICU and was diagnosed with chemical pneumonitis as a result of the flash-bang, the mother said. —Evan Rosen, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek pneumōn

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

pneumonitis

noun

pneu·​mo·​ni·​tis ˌn(y)ü-mə-ˈnīt-əs 

plural pneumonitides -ˈnit-ə-ˌdēz 

: 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 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