Bubbles

Artist: Junen Feng

🎨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.