Eosinophilic pneumonia
Eosinophilic Pneumonia
Eosinophilic pneumonia (pronunciation: ee-oh-sin-oh-fil-ik new-moan-ya) is a rare type of lung disease characterized by the accumulation of eosinophils in the lungs. The term is derived from the Greek words "eosin," meaning "dawn-colored," and "philos," meaning "loving," referring to the pink color these cells exhibit when stained with eosin, a red dye. "Pneumonia" comes from the Greek "pneumon," meaning "lung."
Eosinophilic pneumonia can be classified into two main types: acute and chronic. Acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) typically presents with rapid onset of symptoms, while chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) is characterized by a longer duration of illness.
Symptoms
Symptoms of eosinophilic pneumonia can vary but often include cough, fever, difficulty breathing (known as dyspnea), and sometimes weight loss and night sweats. These symptoms are similar to those of other types of pneumonia, making diagnosis challenging.
Causes
The exact cause of eosinophilic pneumonia is unknown. However, it is often associated with certain medications, parasitic infections, and exposure to certain toxins or allergens. In some cases, it may be associated with other diseases such as asthma or autoimmune diseases.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of eosinophilic pneumonia typically involves a combination of clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Imaging tests such as a chest X-ray or CT scan may show abnormalities in the lungs. A definitive diagnosis is usually made through a lung biopsy, which shows an increased number of eosinophils in the lung tissue.
Treatment
Treatment for eosinophilic pneumonia usually involves corticosteroids, which help to reduce inflammation and the number of eosinophils in the lungs. In severe cases, other immunosuppressive drugs may be used. Patients typically respond well to treatment, although relapses can occur.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Eosinophilic pneumonia
- Wikipedia's article - Eosinophilic pneumonia
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