Disease Reference

Loeffler syndrome

Definition

Simple pulmonary eosinophilia is inflammation of the lungs associated with an increase in eosinophils, a type of white blood cell.

Alternative Names

Pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia; Loeffler syndrome

Causes

Most cases of simple pulmonary eosinophilia are due to an allergic reaction, either from a drug, such as sulfonamide, or infection from a fungus or parasite, including Ascaris lumbricoides.

Symptoms

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

The symptoms can range from none at all to severe. They may go away without treatment.

Exams and Tests

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 blood count test shows 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.

Treatment

If you are allergic to a drug, the doctor may have you stop taking it. (But, never stop a medication without consulting with your doctor first.)

If the condition is due to an infection, you may be treated with an antibiotic or anti-parasitic medication.

Sometime, corticosteroids (powerful anti-inflammatory medicines) may be needed.

Outlook (Prognosis)

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

Possible Complications

A rare complication of simple pulmonary eosinophilia is a severe type of pneumonia

When to Contact a Medical Professional

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.

Mason RJ, Murray J, VC Broaddus, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005:1679-1695.

Grainger RC, Allison D, Adam, Dixon AK. Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 4th ed. Orlando, Fl: Churchill Livingstone; 2001:600,895.