A new strain of bacterial pneumonia, commonly called ‘white lung syndrome’, is causing concern in various countries, including China, Denmark, the US and the Netherlands. The disease, which mainly affects children aged three to eight years, is associated with lung damage that appears as white spots on X-rays.
Various respiratory diseases under ‘White Lung Syndrome’
The term ‘white lung syndrome’ covers a variety of respiratory conditions, including
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): A serious pulmonary condition that causes fluid to accumulate in the alveoli of the lungs, resulting in difficulty breathing. ARDS can be triggered by factors such as pneumonia, sepsis, and trauma.
- Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM): An uncommon disorder of the lungs marked by calcium deposits in the air sacs, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain.
- Silicosis: A respiratory disease caused by the inhalation of silica dust, commonly found in materials such as sand and stone. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, cough and chest pain.
Common Symptoms of White Lung Syndrome
- Difficulty breathing
- Cough
- Pain in chest
- Fever
- Tiredness
Possible causes of white lung syndrome
- Although the exact cause remains under investigation, experts suggest that a combination of bacterial, viral, and environmental factors may contribute to white lung syndrome.
- Viruses such as influenza or COVID-19, bacterial infections (such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae), and environmental factors such as silica dust can all potentially induce this syndrome.
Treatment options
- Treatment of white lung syndrome varies depending on its cause. Possible treatment options include antibiotics, antivirals, oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and corticosteroids.
- The severity of the disease determines the approach chosen, the results of which can range from complete recovery to long-term lung damage.