Meanwhile, there is insufficient iron for inclusion into the haemoglobin molecules inside red blood cells which carry oxygen to body tissues for cellular respiration.
A distinct subset of patients with pulmonary hemosiderosis has hypersensitivity to cow's milk which result in formation of IgG antibodies against basement membrane.
[citation needed] Clinically, IPH manifests as a triad of haemoptysis, diffuse parenchymal infiltrates on chest radiographs, and iron deficiency anaemia.
[5] The clinical course of IPH is exceedingly variable, and most of the patients continue to have episodes of pulmonary haemorrhage despite therapy.
[citation needed] Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment of IPH, though they are controversial and lack clear evidence in their favour.
[16] A 2007 scientific letter reports preliminary success in preventing pulmonary haemorrhage with the anti-oxidant N-acetylcysteine.