The patchy loss of epithelium is a postmortem change.
Luminal exudate is absent.
Wheeze is also a sign of sickle cell lung disease, because mucosal edema may accompany microvascular congestion. It is also possible that the inflammatory infiltrate is a manifestation of her upper respiratory infection. In chronic disease, the dilated lymphatics may persist after acute episodes and account for increased interstitial markings that resemble fibrosis on plain radiographs.