Bubbles
Artist: 冯浚恩
Artwork description:
Bubbles reflects the suffocating beauty of Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP). Air and liquid intertwine inside the lungs — delicate bubbles rising where breath should flow. The imagery turns the invisible burden of breathing into a fragile, haunting metaphor.


Disease Introduction: Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP)
Type: Rare pulmonary disease
Affected System: Alveoli of the lungs
Symptoms:
Progressive shortness of breath and dry cough. Fatigue, weight loss, low-grade fever. Hypoxemia (low blood oxygen), cyanosis. Recurrent lung infections, chest discomfort. Severe cases may lead to respiratory failure.
Cause:
Autoimmune antibodies against GM-CSF impair macrophage clearance of surfactant, leading to its buildup in alveoli. Less common forms include congenital gene mutations or secondary PAP from infections, toxins, or cancer.
Treatment:
Whole lung lavage (saline washing to remove deposits).
GM-CSF therapy (inhaled or subcutaneous).
Rituximab or plasmapheresis for refractory autoimmune PAP.
Oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Antibiotic treatment for secondary infections.
Lung transplantation as last resort.