What is eosinophilic pneumonia?
Summary. Acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) is a rare disorder characterized by the rapid accumulation of eosinophils in the lungs (pulmonary eosinophilia). Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell and are part of the immune system.
What drugs cause eosinophilic pneumonia?
A significant number of drugs and toxins have been associated with eosinophilic pneumonia. Antibiotics and NSAID, are the most commonly reported drugs. Toxins suspected to cause eosinophilic pneumonia include cigarette smoke and illicit drugs.
How do you treat eosinophilic pneumonia?
Treatment of Eosinophilic Pneumonia For acute eosinophilic pneumonia, a corticosteroid such as prednisone is usually needed. In chronic eosinophilic pneumonia, prednisone may be needed for many months or even years.
Is eosinophilic pneumonia viral or bacterial?
Epidemiology. Eosinophilic pneumonia is a rare disease. Parasitic causes are most common in geographic areas where each parasite is endemic. Acute eosinophilic pneumonia can occur at any age, even in previously healthy children, though most patients are between 20 and 40 years of age.
How long does it take to recover from eosinophilic pneumonia?
The disease usually resolves within 1 month. Doctors may give corticosteroids to reduce symptoms and help reduce inflammation.
How do you know if you have eosinophils in your lungs?
A blood test, sputum test, and bronchial biopsy can be used to measure your level of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that can cause asthma.
What are the symptoms of eosinophilia?
Symptoms
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Food getting stuck in the esophagus after swallowing (impaction)
- Chest pain that is often centrally located and does not respond to antacids.
- Backflow of undigested food (regurgitation)
Is eosinophilic pneumonia infectious?
Eosinophilic pneumonia is a disease in which an eosinophil, a type of white blood cell, accumulates in the lungs. These cells cause disruption of the normal air spaces (alveoli) where oxygen is extracted from the atmosphere….
| Eosinophilic pneumonia | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Respirology |
Can eosinophilic pneumonia be cured?
Eosinophilic pneumonia may be mild, and people with the disease may get better without treatment. For acute eosinophilic pneumonia, a corticosteroid such as prednisone is usually needed. In chronic eosinophilic pneumonia, prednisone may be needed for many months or even years.
What are the different types of eosinophilic pneumonia?
Eosinophilic pneumonia (EP) is a rare disorder, comprising several heterogeneous diseases. Two major types of EP are acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) and chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP), both of which are characterized by marked accumulation of eosinophils in lung tissues and/or BAL fluid.
When was acute eosinophilic pneumonia ( AEP ) first described?
AEP was first described in 1989 ( 4, 5) as an acute febrile illness, presenting with diffuse pulmonary infiltrates and acute respiratory failure, characterized by BAL eosinophilia and prompt clinical improvement after corticosteroid therapy. These initial four cases of AEP were described to be of unknown cause.
What causes eosinophil infiltration of the lung?
Airway epithelial injury, endothelial injury, and release of IL-33 are early events that subsequently promote eosinophil recruitment to the lung; eosinophilic infiltration and degranulation appear to mediate subsequent lung inflammation and associated clinical manifestations.
Which is the best treatment for AEP of noninfectious origin?
Optimal management of AEP depends on the recognition and elimination of the underlying cause when identifiable. The cessation of the exposure to the inciting agent (e.g., smoking), and glucocorticoids represent the mainstay of treating AEP of noninfectious origin.