Loefflers syndrome (patient information): Difference between revisions
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For WikiDoc page on this topic click [[ Loefflers syndrome|here]] | For WikiDoc page on this topic click [[ Loefflers syndrome|here]] | ||
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==What causes Loefflers syndrome?== | ==What causes Loefflers syndrome?== | ||
Most cases of simple pulmonary eosinophilia are due to an [[allergic reaction]] from: | Most cases of simple pulmonary [[eosinophilia]] are due to an [[allergic reaction]] from: | ||
* A drug, such as a [[sulfonamide]] antibiotic or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ([[NSAID]]) | * A drug, such as a [[sulfonamide]] [[antibiotic]] or [[Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug|nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory]] drug ([[NSAID]]) | ||
* Infection with a fungus such as [[Aspergillus fumigatus]] or [[Pneumocystis jirovecii]] | * Infection with a fungus such as [[Aspergillus fumigatus]] or [[Pneumocystis jirovecii]] | ||
* A parasite, including the roundworms [[Ascariasis lumbricoides]], [[Necator americanus]], or [[Ancylostoma duodenale]] ([[hookworms]]) | * A parasite, including the roundworms [[Ascariasis lumbricoides]], [[Necator americanus]], or [[Ancylostoma duodenale]] ([[hookworms]]) | ||
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* The health care provider will listen to your chest with a stethoscope. Crackle-like sounds called rales may be heard. Rales suggest inflammation of the lung tissue. | * The health care provider will listen to your chest with a stethoscope. Crackle-like sounds called rales may be heard. Rales suggest inflammation of the lung tissue. | ||
* A complete blood count (CBC) may show increased white blood cells, particularly | * A [[complete blood count]] (CBC) may show increased white blood cells, particularly [[Eosinophilia|eosinophil]]<nowiki/>s. | ||
* Chest x-ray usually shows abnormal shadows called infiltrates. They may disappear with time or reappear in different areas of the lung. | * [[Chest X-ray|Chest x-ray]] usually shows abnormal shadows called infiltrates. They may disappear with time or reappear in different areas of the lung. | ||
* A bronchoscopy with washing may show a large number of | * A [[bronchoscopy]] with washing may show a large number of [[Eosinophil granulocyte|eosinophil]]<nowiki/>s. | ||
* Gastric lavage may show signs of the Ascaris worm or another parasite. | * Gastric lavage may show signs of the [[Ascaris lumbricoides|Ascaris]] worm or another parasite. | ||
==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
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* If the condition is due to an infection, you may be treated with an antibiotic or anti-parasitic medication. | * If the condition is due to an infection, you may be treated with an antibiotic or anti-parasitic medication. | ||
* Sometimes, you may need corticosteroids (powerful anti-inflammatory medicines). | * Sometimes, you may need [[Corticosteroid|corticosteroids]] (powerful anti-inflammatory medicines). | ||
==Where to find medical care for Loefflers syndrome?== | ==Where to find medical care for Loefflers syndrome?== | ||
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==Possible complications== | ==Possible complications== | ||
A rare complication of simple pulmonary eosinophilia is a severe type of pneumonia called acute idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia. | A rare complication of simple pulmonary [[eosinophilia]] is a severe type of pneumonia called acute idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia. | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
Revision as of 21:34, 14 May 2019
For WikiDoc page on this topic click here
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Loefflers syndrome |
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Loefflers syndrome On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Loefflers syndrome is also known as simple pulmonary eosinophilia. Simple pulmonary eosinophilia is swelling (inflammation) of the lungs from an increase in eosinophils, a type of white blood cell.
What are the symptoms of Loefflers syndrome?
- Chest pain
- Dry cough
- Fever
- General ill feeling
- Rapid respiratory rate
- Rash
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
What causes Loefflers syndrome?
Most cases of simple pulmonary eosinophilia are due to an allergic reaction from:
- A drug, such as a sulfonamide antibiotic or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
- Infection with a fungus such as Aspergillus fumigatus or Pneumocystis jirovecii
- A parasite, including the roundworms Ascariasis lumbricoides, Necator americanus, or Ancylostoma duodenale (hookworms)
Diagnosis
- The health care provider will listen to your chest with a stethoscope. Crackle-like sounds called rales may be heard. Rales suggest inflammation of the lung tissue.
- A complete blood count (CBC) may show increased white blood cells, particularly eosinophils.
- Chest x-ray usually shows abnormal shadows called infiltrates. They may disappear with time or reappear in different areas of the lung.
- A bronchoscopy with washing may show a large number of eosinophils.
- Gastric lavage may show signs of the Ascaris worm or another parasite.
Treatment options
- If you are allergic to a drug, the doctor may tell you to stop taking it. (Never stop taking a medication without first talking with your doctor.)
- If the condition is due to an infection, you may be treated with an antibiotic or anti-parasitic medication.
- Sometimes, you may need corticosteroids (powerful anti-inflammatory medicines).
Where to find medical care for Loefflers syndrome?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Loefflers syndrome
Prevention of Loefflers syndrome
This is a rare disorder. Many times, the cause cannot be found. Minimizing exposure to possible risk factors (certain medicines, some metals) may reduce risk.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
The disease often goes away without treatment. If treatment is needed, the response is usually good. However, relapses can occur (the disease comes back).
Possible complications
A rare complication of simple pulmonary eosinophilia is a severe type of pneumonia called acute idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia.
Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000105.htm