Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis

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Respiratory system

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a rare disease in which a type of protein builds up in the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs, making breathing difficult.

Alveolar proteinosis

In some cases, the cause of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is unknown. In others, it is associated with infection or immune deficiency.

This rare disorder generally affects people 30 - 50 years old and is seen in men more often than in women.

Review Date: 03/01/2007
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.