Loefflers syndrome (patient information)
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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] Soroush Seifirad, M.D.[3]
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