Pneumonia, eosinophilic

A type of pneumonia characterized by eosinophil accumulation in the lungs

Eosinophilic pneumonia
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Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Cough, fever, difficulty breathing
Complications	Respiratory failure
Onset	Acute or chronic
Duration	N/A
Types	N/A
Causes	Various, including medications, infections, and environmental factors
Risks	N/A
Diagnosis	Chest X-ray, CT scan, Bronchoalveolar lavage, Lung biopsy
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Corticosteroids, treating underlying cause
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Eosinophilic pneumonia is a rare type of pneumonia characterized by the accumulation of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the lungs. This condition can be classified into acute and chronic forms, each with distinct clinical features and causes.

Classification

Eosinophilic pneumonia is broadly classified into two types:

• Acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP): This form presents rapidly, often with severe respiratory symptoms. It can occur in otherwise healthy individuals and is sometimes associated with new environmental exposures or medications.

• Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP): This form develops more slowly and is often associated with a history of asthma or other allergic conditions. Patients may experience recurrent episodes of pneumonia-like symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms of eosinophilic pneumonia include:

• Persistent cough
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Night sweats
• Weight loss

In acute cases, symptoms can progress rapidly, leading to respiratory failure if not treated promptly.

Causes

The exact cause of eosinophilic pneumonia is often unknown, but several factors have been associated with its development:

• Medications: Certain drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and some antibiotics, have been implicated.
• Infections: Parasitic infections, such as those caused by Ascaris or Strongyloides, can lead to eosinophilic pneumonia.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to dust, smoke, or other inhaled substances can trigger the condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of eosinophilic pneumonia involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests:

• Chest X-ray and CT scan: Imaging studies often show characteristic patterns of lung infiltrates.
• Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)]]: This procedure involves washing out the lungs with fluid to collect cells for analysis, often revealing a high eosinophil count.
• Lung biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Treatment

The primary treatment for eosinophilic pneumonia is the use of corticosteroids, which are highly effective in reducing inflammation and eosinophil accumulation. The underlying cause, if identified, should also be addressed. For example, discontinuing an offending medication or treating a parasitic infection may be necessary.

Prognosis

With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for eosinophilic pneumonia is generally good. Most patients respond well to corticosteroids, although some may experience recurrent episodes, particularly in the chronic form.

Also see

• Pneumonia
• Asthma
• Eosinophilia
• Interstitial lung disease