Definition:
Idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia is a form of eosinophilic pneumonia wherein the cause is undetermined. Idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia is a condition in which eosinophil a certain type of white blood cell, accumulates in the lung. Eosinophil cause disruption of the alveoli (air spaces). There are two forms of idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia: acute eosinophilic pneumonia and chronic eosinophilic pneumonia.
Diagnosis:
Idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, analysis of symptoms, blood tests and x rays. Often, a patient is first diagnosed with asthma before being diagnosed with idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia.
Treatment:
The common treatment of idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia is the use of corticosteroids which produces dramatic improvement of the condition. The corticosteroids is given either orally or intravenously. Treatment is usually continued for a month or more after the symptoms have disappeared. In cases of relapse, inhaled steroids are also used. In cases wherein breathing is severely compromised, the use of noninvasive breathing aids are used. In some cases, it might be necessary to put breathing tubes in the mouths of patients and use ventilators to help them breathe.
Symptoms and Signs:
The most common symptoms of idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia are fever, cough, night sweats and breathing difficulties.
Causes:
The cause of idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia is unknown.
