Desquamative interstitial pneumonia is a form of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia that is more common in cigarette smokers (90%) in their fourth or fifth decade of life, but may be seen in nonsmokers, in patients with underlying connective tissue diseases, or in patients exposed to inorganic dust / particles.

Most patients present with dyspnea and cough, and hypoxia can be seen. Treatment surrounds smoking cessation, but immunosuppressants are frequently required. See nicotine dependence for information on smoking cessation.