A type of pneumonia in which the fatty or oily substance in the lungs becomes inflamed is called lipoid pneumonia. Usually, it occurs when a person breathes in or aspirates oils. Some examples include cooking oils, essential oils, vaping oils, petroleum jelly, nasal sprays, and decongestants that contain mineral oils. Moreover, there is another type of pneumonia that occurs when this disorder causes a lipid buildup in the tissues (endogenous lipid pneumonia). Sometimes, people can develop lipoid pneumonia due to a disease that causes the body to produce or store too much fat in the lungs.
Types of Lipoid Pneumonia
Physicians have divided this condition into 2 categories. These include:
- Endogenous lipoid pneumonia – This type happens when the lipids released by the body, and they begin to build up inside the lungs. Sometimes, this type of lipoid pneumonia is called cholesterol pneumonia or golden pneumonia.
- Exogenous lipoid pneumonia – In such cases, oily or fatty substances enter the lungs from outside the body. This form of lipoid pneumonia can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term).
What Are The Symptoms of Lipoid Pneumonia?
Usually, people who develop lipoid pneumonia experience the following symptoms. Examples include:
If any of the previous symptoms occur, immediately contact your healthcare professional. Leaving this type of pneumonia untreated may lead to serious and even life-threatening complications.
Causes and Risk Factors
This type of pneumonia occurs when the small air sacs in the lungs become inflamed due to a buildup of fatty or oily substances (also known as lipids). It usually happens in one of the following ways. For example:
- The lipids start to move from another part of the body into the lungs
- Damage to the lungs causes them to release lipids and become inflamed
- A person breathes in or aspirates oil-based substances
Certain oil-based substances include manufacturing oils, Mentholatum (a substance used in some medical ointments), cannabis oil, and volatile oils.
In rare cases, a genetic disease can negatively affect your body’s ability to break down fats and cause lipoid pneumonia. While usually these disorders are diagnosed in babies or younger kids, they may also occur later in life. Physicians usually suspect a genetic disorder when they are not able to detect the exact cause of this type of pneumonia.
While anyone can develop lipoid pneumonia, there are some factors that may increase your risk even more. Check some examples below:
- Vape
- Neuromuscular disorders (such as Parkinson’s disease) or other health conditions that make it easier to aspirate
- Lipid storage diseases (including Niemann-Pick disease and Gaucher disease)
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
- Have a hobby or work in places where these oils are present
- Esophageal or throat abnormalities (including conditions like hiatal hernia, esophageal stricture, and others)
What Are The Long-Term Effects of Lipoid Pneumonia?
Those who ignore the symptoms of lipoid pneumonia or leave it untreated may experience some complications. Check some of them below:
- Secondary infections
- Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure)
- ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome) or chronic hypoxic respiratory failure
- Pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring)
- Paraffinomas
- Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage
- Hypercalcemia (increased levels of calcium in the blood)
- Cor pulmonale (right-sided heart failure)
The previous list does not contain all possible lipoid pneumonia complications. However, doctors may help you prevent them.
Is There a Way to Prevent Lipoid Pneumonia?
In some cases, the following tips may help you reduce the risk of lipoid pneumonia. For example:
- Manage chronic health conditions (including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and others)
- Do not participate in activities that increase the risk of getting oil in the lungs
- Get treatment for conditions that cause a buildup of lipids
- Sit up when you eat or drink to avoid aspiration
Diagnosis
Commonly, physicians start the diagnosis of lipoid pneumonia with a physical examination to check for irregularities linked to the disease. They may also ask some questions about your symptoms and medical history to get more information. Generally, there are no specific tests that can diagnose lipoid pneumonia. Sometimes, people are diagnosed with this condition during an X-ray done for other reasons. Check below for some tests that may help doctors confirm this type of pneumonia:
- Bronchoscopy – During this test, doctors will examine your lungs by using a thin tube with a camera.
- Imaging tests – The following tests are done to get detailed images of the lungs and surrounding tissues. For example, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computerized tomography), and ultrasounds.
- Cytology or biopsy – During a biopsy, physicians will take a small sample of tissue for testing. They will check for oil and inflammation in the lungs.
Treatment
The primary treatment for people with lipoid pneumonia is to avoid substances that you can aspirate. However, doctors may also recommend the following options. Examples include:
- Supplemental oxygen to breathe easier
- Corticosteroids – This group of medicines is used to reduce inflammation.
- Antibiotics – These medicines are used to prevent and treat bacterial infections.
Sometimes, physicians recommend enzyme replacement therapy to help break down fats in people with genetic disorders that may cause lipoid pneumonia.
When Should I Go To The ER?
Immediately call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER) if you experience chest pain, high fever, and trouble breathing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lipoid pneumonia contagious?
No. Lipoid pneumonia is not caused by a virus or bacteria in most cases, so it is not contagious. It develops when fatty or oily substances enter the lungs or when lipids accumulate within the lungs due to an underlying condition.
Can vaping cause lipoid pneumonia?
Yes. Vaping certain oil-containing products, particularly those with lipid-based ingredients, may increase the risk of developing exogenous lipoid pneumonia. However, not all vaping-related lung injuries are lipoid pneumonia.
Can children develop lipoid pneumonia?
Yes. Although it is uncommon, children can develop lipoid pneumonia, especially after accidentally aspirating mineral oil or petroleum-based products or if they have swallowing disorders or rare genetic lipid storage diseases.
How long does it take to recover from lipoid pneumonia?
Recovery varies depending on the severity of the disease, the underlying cause, and how quickly treatment begins. Mild cases may improve within a few weeks after stopping exposure to the offending substance, while severe cases may require months of treatment and follow-up.
Can lipoid pneumonia be seen on a chest X-ray?
Yes. Chest X-rays often show abnormalities, but they cannot definitively diagnose lipoid pneumonia. A CT scan, bronchoscopy, and tissue or fluid analysis are often needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Does lipoid pneumonia always require hospitalization?
No. Mild cases may be treated on an outpatient basis if symptoms are stable. However, people with severe breathing difficulties, low oxygen levels, or complications may need hospitalization for oxygen therapy and close monitoring.
Can lipoid pneumonia cause permanent lung damage?
Yes. If left untreated or if exposure to oily substances continues, chronic inflammation can lead to permanent lung scarring (pulmonary fibrosis), reduced lung function, or other long-term complications.
Are antibiotics always needed to treat lipoid pneumonia?
No. Antibiotics are only prescribed if a bacterial infection is present or strongly suspected. Because lipoid pneumonia is primarily caused by lipids rather than bacteria, antibiotics alone are not an effective treatment.
Who is at the highest risk of developing lipoid pneumonia?
People with swallowing disorders, neurological diseases, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), frequent exposure to oil-based substances, lipid storage disorders, or those who regularly use oil-based nasal or oral products have a higher risk of developing lipoid pneumonia.
Can lipoid pneumonia come back after treatment?
Yes. Recurrence is possible if the underlying cause is not addressed or if the person continues to inhale or aspirate oily substances. Following your healthcare provider’s recommendations and avoiding the source of exposure can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare professional.
