Have you come across the term Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) but you don’t know what it means? It seems like there are just one too many respiratory disorders to keep track of. With so many respiratory diseases out there, there’s much to learn to improve the lives of those we may know who suffer from such diseases. As for NSIP, our staff of respiratory experts at Oxygen Always provide a brief overview of Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia.
What Is Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia (NSIP) is a rare disease that inflames tiny air sacs, or alveoli, in the lungs. [1] The alveoli are where oxygen and carbon dioxide are converted between your lungs and bloodstream. The thin wall that protects the lungs and the separate lobes of the lungs, called the “pleura,” can become inflamed as well.
NSIP can be detected in many other diseases such as connective tissue disorders, a symptom of specific medications, and HIV – among others. Most patients diagnosed with the disease are classified as “idiopathic,” meaning the cause for the disease is inconclusive. NSIP is categorized into two main forms – cellular and fibrotic. Cellular forms of NSIP occur when the cells of the interstitium are inflamed. The fibrotic form describes the thickening and scarring of lung tissues. [1] This diminishes the effectiveness of the lung tissue, which can’t be reversed.
Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonitis Life Expectancy
The life expectancy of those diagnosed with NSIP varies from patient to patient – mainly contingent on the cause of the disease. The disease tends to progress slowly with some, while for others, it can exacerbate rather quickly.
People diagnosed with idiopathic NSIP live another 3 to 5 years on average.[2] However, with specific medications and clinical therapy, they could add years to their lives. Patients with sarcoidosis, another form of interstitial lung disease, have a higher survival rate.
NSIP-Proof Oxygen Concentrators
Though we highly recommend consulting your healthcare physician first, we can give you some pointers when you’re in the market for oxygen concentrators to help manage your NSIP. A home oxygen concentrator such as the Caire Companion is great for those diagnosed with NSIP because you can receive either a pulse or continuous flow of oxygen in the comfort of your own home. Portable oxygen concentrators like the Caire Freestyle Comfort and the Respironics SimplyGo Mini are ideal to take with you on-the-go since they’re lightweight and ergonomic.
If you’d like to find out more about NSIP or other respiratory conditions, feel free to reach out to one of our friendly representatives here at Oxygen Always!
Sources
[1] Cleveland Clinic – Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia (NSIP)
[2] Healthline – Interstitial Lung Disease: Overview
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