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Simple pulmonary eosinophilia (Loeffler's syndrome)

Definition

Simple pulmonary eosinophilia is inflammation of the lungs associated with an increase in eosinophils, a type of white blood cell.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Most cases of simple pulmonary eosinophilia are due to an allergic reaction of some sort, either from a drug, such as sulfonamide, or parasitic infection, such as that caused by the worm Ascaris lumbricoides. Other parasites may also cause the syndrome.

Symptoms

Note: Symptoms range from none at all to severe. They will usually go away without treatment.

Signs and tests

  • Listening to the chest with a stethoscope may reveal rales(crackle-like sounds that suggest inflammation of the lung tissue).
  • A bronchoscopy with washing may show a large number of eosinophils.
  • Sputum, bronchoscopically obtained washing, and gastric lavage may reveal larvae of the ascaris worm.
  • A CBC or WBC count shows increased white blood cells, particularly eosinophils.
  • Chest X-ray usually reveals abnormal shadows (infiltrates) that disappear with time, or may reappear in different areas of the lung.

Treatment

If a cause is found, therapy consists of removing the offending drug or treating the infection with antibiotic or antiparasitic medication.

Expectations (prognosis)

The disease often resolves without treatment. If treatment is needed, the response is usually good.However, relapses can occur.

Complications

A rare complication of simple pulmonary eosinophiliais severe pneumonia.

Calling your health care provider

See your health care provider if you have symptoms that may be linked with this disorder.

Prevention

This is a rare disorder. Many times, the cause cannot be found. Minimizing exposure to possiblerisk factors (certain medicines, some metals) may reduce risk.

References

Murray JF, Nadel JA. Eosinophilic Lung Diseases. In: Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. W. B. Saunders Company, 2000; 1761-1771.

Illustrations

Lungs
Lungs
Respiratory system
Respiratory system

Page Content:

Pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia; Eosinophilic pneumonia; Loeffler's syndrome ; loefflers syndrome; eosinophilic pneumonia; chronic eosinophilic pneumonia