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Toxic fibrosing alveolitis

Alexey Kryvenko, medical expert
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025

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The development of toxic fibrosing alveolitis (ICD-10 code: J70.1-J70.8) is caused by the toxic effect of chemicals on the respiratory section of the lungs, as well as the damaging effect of immune complexes. In children, toxic fibrosing alveolitis is most often associated with the use of various drugs (sulfonamides, methotrexate, mercaptopurine, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide (cyclophosphamide), nitrofurantoin (furadonin), furazolidone, hexamethonium benzosulfonate (benzohexonium), propranolol (anaprilin), hydralazine (apressin), chlorpropamide, benzylpenicillin, penicillamine). In adolescents, the anamnesis includes industrial contact (gases, metal fumes, herbicides) or substance abuse.

Toxic fibrosing alveolitis has a similar clinical picture and laboratory-functional parameters with exogenous allergic alveolitis in the acute and chronic phases of the disease (with the development of pneumofibrosis).

Treatment involves immediate discontinuation of the drug, which can result in complete recovery. Administration of glucocorticoids accelerates the reverse development of pulmonary disorders. With the development of fibrotic changes, the effectiveness of treatment and prognosis are significantly reduced.