pneumonitis

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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 ◆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

New Latin, from Greek pneumōn

First Known Use: 1817

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

plural

\-ˈnit-ə-ˌdēz\play

: 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 ◆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