What is "alveolitis"

n. 1 (context medicine English) An inflammation of the alveoli in the lungs. 2 (context medicine English) An inflammation of a dental alveolus (tooth socket).

1. n. inflammation in the socket of a tooth; sometimes occurs after a tooth is extracted and a blood clot fails to form [syn: dry socket]

2. inflammation of the alveoli in the lungs caused by inhaling dust; with repeated exposure the condition may become chronic

Alveolitis can refer to two inflammatory conditions. It can refer to inflammation of the alveoli in the lungs, or the dental alveolus in the jaw.

Alveolitis in the jaw is also known as dry socket. This type of inflamed tooth socket is usually seen after tooth extractions in smokers or people with diabetes.

Alveolitis is the accumulation of inflammatory and immune effector cells within the alveolar walls and spaces.

Extrinsic allergic alveolitis is a lung disorder resulting from repeated inhalation of organic dust, usually in a specific occupational setting. In the acute form, respiratory symptoms and fever begin eighteen hours after exposure to the dust. The chronic form is characterized by gradual changes in the lung tissue associated with four years of exposure to the irritant. This may eventually lead to Interstitial lung disease.