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]
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.