Rare disease forces man to have lung wash

Phu Tho A 31-year-old man suffered from rare bilateral diffuse lung damage, and doctors had to pump liters of saline solution to wash his lungs.

On October 12, a representative of Phu Tho General Hospital said that the patient had a history of good health, but for the past month he had been experiencing difficulty breathing and chest tightness when exerting himself. Clinical examination showed that he was in good condition, with a SpO2 of 96%, and bilateral hypoventilation.

Doctors performed a chest CT scan and found diffuse lesions in both lungs, which caused difficulty breathing. Results of bronchial fluid tests and a chest CT scan diagnosed the patient with "alveolar proteinosis" - a lung condition caused by an abnormal accumulation of protein and other substances in the alveoli, hindering gas exchange. This is a very rare disease that usually develops in adults but can also be congenital.

This condition occurs more often in men than women, affecting people between the ages of 30 and 60. Exposure factors such as dust and smoking increase the risk of the disease.

Symptoms of people with alveolar proteinosis include fatigue, shortness of breath, weight loss, chest pain, fever, cough, and low blood oxygen levels.

Doctors prescribe treatment with lung lavage. This is an invasive procedure that involves cleaning each lung with a large amount of saline solution, while the other lung takes over the respiratory function.

After lung lavage, the patient had less difficulty breathing, improved lung function parameters, and was discharged from the hospital.

Lung lavage fluid of a patient. Photo: Provided by the hospital — Lung lavage fluid of a patient. Photo: *Provided by the hospital*

According to doctors, most patients have a significant improvement in symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, and increased blood oxygen levels after a single lung wash. However, lung wash is not a complete treatment, and some people still need repeated lung washes after a long period of relapse.

In addition, patients need to be instructed in other supportive measures such as avoiding exposure to toxins or irritants, breathing oxygen, and using bronchodilators if they have asthma-like symptoms.

Doctors recommend that patients with unusual symptoms should see a doctor immediately.

Thuy Quynh

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