2
4
5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Lungs
Lungs
Respiratory system
Respiratory system

Simple pulmonary eosinophilia (Loeffler's syndrome)
Definition:

Simple pulmonary eosinophilia is characterized by abnormal chest X-ray findings. These vary -- the abnormality may appear in one part of the lung at one time, but the next X-ray may show no pathology or a problem in a different part of the lung.

The abnormal X-rays are accompanied by a rise in the number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell which is probably involved in allergies) in the blood. The disease is usually self-limited so it often resolves itself without treatment.

Alternative Names:
Pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia; Eosinophilic pneumonia; Loeffler's syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Loeffler's syndrome appears to be caused by an allergic reaction. A common cause is the migration of the parasitic worm Ascaris lumbricoides through the respiratory tract. Proteins on the surface of the worm probably incite this allergic reaction. Other parasites of the Ascaris family may also cause the syndrome. Additional possible causes include allergies to medications, for example, sulfonamide antibiotics.
Symptoms:
Note: Symptoms range from none at all to mild to severe. They will usually resolve without treatment.
Signs and tests:
Listening to the chest with a stethoscope (auscultation) may reveal rales, which are crackle-like sounds that suggest inflammation of the lung tissue.
  • A bronchoscopy with washing may show a large number of eosinophils.
  • Sputum, bronchoscopically-obtained washing and gastric lavage may reveal larvae of the Ascaris worm.
  • A CBC or WBC count shows increased white blood cells, particularly eosinophils.
  • chest X-ray usually reveals abnormal shadows (infiltrates) that disappear with time, or may reappear in different areas of the lung.
Treatment:
If a cause is found, therapy consists of removing the offending drug or treating the infection with antibiotic (anti-parasitic) therapy.
Expectations (prognosis):
The disease often resolves without treatment. If treatment is needed, the response is usually good. However, relapses can occur.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
See your health care provider if you have symptoms that may be linked with this disorder.
Prevention:
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.
Review Date: 10/21/2001
Reviewed By: David Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com