A chest X-ray may show shadows similar to pulmonary edema . An arterial blood gases reveals low oxygen levels in the blood. A lung biopsy shows alveolar proteinosis. Bronchoscopy with transtracheal biopsy shows alveolar proteinosis. Treatment consist of periodic whole-lung lavage, a washing out of the phospholipids from the lung.
Spontaneous remission occurs in some, while progressive respiratory failure develops in others.
Call your health care provider if symptoms develop. Progressive worsening of shortness of breath indicates that an urgent or emergency condition may be developing.