Will steroid therapy help a person with acute interstitial pneumonitis?

They may: Many causes of interstitial pneumonia are allergic or non-infectious, inflammatory in nature and can respond to steroids. Have you seen a lung doctor?

The harm vs benefit : Glucocorticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory agents and can offer significant beneifts to many conditions when used timely and appropriately. Unfortunately, in the face of infections, steroids may make things worse, thus the pros/cons must be weighted. At times, steroid is needed and risk modified by using additonal treatments (i.e. More aggressive antibiotic regimen). Consult doc. Good luck.

We don't know. : Aip, or haymann-rich syndrome, is a usually severe inflammatory disease of the lungs. It is somewhat rare and is a diagnosis of exclusion. Fungal infections, strange bacteria, and aids-related infections must be ruled out prior to this diagnosis. It can be a rapid and severe disease, requiring pts to be in icu. Steroids at high doses are a recommended tx, but there is little evidence.