Loefflers syndrome (patient information)

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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]

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.

• Chest pain
• Dry cough
• Fever
• General ill feeling
• Rapid respiratory rate
• Rash
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

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)

• 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.

• 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).

Directions to Hospitals Treating 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.

The disease often goes away without treatment. If treatment is needed, the response is usually good. However, relapses can occur (the disease comes back).

A rare complication of simple pulmonary eosinophilia is a severe type of pneumonia called acute idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000105.htm