Hamman – Rich syndrome is also called acute interstitial pneumonitis. This is a rare and severe lung disease. This is a rare condition for which the cause is unknown. This affects healthy people. The underlying cause worsens without signs and symptoms appearing for long duration. But, when signs appear they are acute.
Hamman – Rich syndrome is after the two doctors Dr. Hamman and Dr. Rich who discovered them in 1939. This condition has symptoms similar to acute respiratory distress syndrome and can be misdiagnosed.
Often, Hamman Rich syndrome is categorized as both a form of acute respiratory distress syndrome and an interstitial lung disease.
Symptoms of Hamman Rich Syndrome:
These symptoms are similar to acute respiratory distress syndrome. They include:
- Shallow and rapid breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Cyanosis
- Wheezing and crackling sounds in lungs
- Malaise
- Cor pulmonale
- Right-sided heart failure
- Clubbing
- Weight loss
- Increased gamma globulin levels in blood stream
- Brain and heart function issues as reduce in oxygen supply for long duration.
Causes of Hamman Rich Syndrome:
Following may be some of the causes associated with Hamman Rich Syndrome:
- Cough
- Respiratory failure
- Acute interstitial pneumonitis
- Dyspnea
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Interstitial lung disease
Diagnosis for Hamman Rich Syndrome:
Initial symptoms may progress to lung failure also. This is the key feature of Hamman Rich syndrome. X-ray that shows acute respiratory distress syndrome is required for diagnosing the condition. Biopsy of lung shows organizing diffuse alveolar damage that is required for diagnosing. Other tests include blood cultures, bronchoalveolar lavage and basic blood work.
Treatments for Hamman Rich Syndrome:
Primarily, Hamman Rich syndrome treatment is supportive. Medical attention is required and also mechanical ventilation is needed. Generally, therapy with corticosteroids is attempted. Lung transplantation is the best treatment for hamman rich syndrome.
