From the Research
Eosinophilic pneumonitis is a rare disorder characterized by the accumulation of eosinophils in lung tissues and/or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, which can be acute or chronic, and is typically treated with corticosteroids. The condition can be caused by various factors, including medications, parasitic infections, allergic reactions, or autoimmune disorders, and identifying and removing the underlying trigger is essential for long-term management 1. The diagnosis is confirmed through a combination of chest imaging, blood tests, and sometimes bronchoalveolar lavage or lung biopsy demonstrating eosinophilic infiltration.
Clinical Presentation
The clinical presentation of eosinophilic pneumonitis can vary, but common symptoms include:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Chest pain The condition can be life-threatening if left untreated, especially in cases of acute eosinophilic pneumonia, which often presents with acute respiratory failure 2.
Treatment
Treatment primarily involves corticosteroids, with prednisone typically started at 40-60mg daily for acute cases, then tapered over weeks to months 3. For chronic cases, longer treatment courses are often needed, sometimes lasting 6-12 months with a slow taper to prevent relapse. The duration of corticosteroid treatment can be shortened to 2 weeks, even in patients with respiratory failure, as shown in a study published in The European Respiratory Journal 3.
Prognosis
Most patients respond well to corticosteroid therapy within days to weeks, though some may require additional immunosuppressive medications if steroids alone are insufficient or poorly tolerated 4. Early and accurate diagnosis is imperative, as delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to fatal lung disease. The prognosis is typically excellent provided treatment is initiated in a timely manner 4.
Key Points
- Eosinophilic pneumonitis is a rare disorder characterized by the accumulation of eosinophils in lung tissues and/or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.
- The condition can be acute or chronic and is typically treated with corticosteroids.
- Identifying and removing the underlying trigger is essential for long-term management.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is imperative to prevent fatal lung disease.