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| ==Overview== | | ==Overview== |
| '''Eosinophilic pneumonia''' ('''EP''') is a [[disease]] in which a certain type of [[white blood cell]] called an [[eosinophil]] accumulates in the [[lung]]. These cells cause disruption of the normal air spaces ([[alveoli]]) where [[oxygen]] is extracted from the [[Earth's atmosphere|atmosphere]]. Several different kinds of eosinophilic pneumonia exist and can occur in any age group. The most common [[symptom]]s include [[cough]], [[fever]], [[dyspnea|difficulty breathing]], and sweating at night. EP is diagnosed by a combination of characteristic symptoms, findings on a [[physical examination]] by a health provider, and the results of [[medical laboratory|blood tests]] and [[radiology|x-rays]]. [[Prognosis]] is excellent once most EP is recognized and treatment with [[corticosteroid]]s is begun.
| | == History == |
| | * Chronic eosinophilia affects patients in their 30s or 40s. [5-7] |
| | * A history of atopy is found in 60 percent. [8] |
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| == History and Symptoms == | | == Symptoms == |
| Most causes of eosinophilic pneumonia have similar symptoms. [[Cough]], [[fever]], [[dyspnea|increasing breathlessness]], and [[Sleep hyperhidrosis|night sweats]] are prominent and almost universal. Acute eosinophilic pneumonia typically follows a rapid course. Fever and cough may develop only one or two weeks before difficulties breathing progress to the point of [[respiratory failure]] requiring mechanical [[Medical ventilator|ventilation]]. Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia usually follows a slower course. Symptoms accumulate over several months and include fevers, cough, breathlessness, wheezing, and weight loss. Individuals with CEP are often diagnosed with [[asthma]] before CEP is finally recognized.
| | * irritating, nonproductive cough |
| | | * burning substernal discomfort. |
| EP due to medications or environmental exposures is similar and occurs after an exposure to a known offending agent. EP due to parasitic infections has a similar [[prodrome]] in addition to a host of different symptoms related to the variety of underlying parasites. EP in the setting of cancer often develops in the context of a known diagnosis of lung cancer, cervical cancer, etc.
| | * Dyspnea |
| | * wheezing |
| | * fever |
| | * blood-tinged sputum |
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| ==References== | | ==References== |
| {{reflist|2}} | | {{reflist|2}} |
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| [[Category:Pulmonology]] | | [[Category:Pulmonology]] |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.D. [2]
Overview
History
- Chronic eosinophilia affects patients in their 30s or 40s. [5-7]
- A history of atopy is found in 60 percent. [8]
Symptoms
- irritating, nonproductive cough
- burning substernal discomfort.
- Dyspnea
- wheezing
- fever
- blood-tinged sputum
References
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