|Classification and external resources| Eosinophilic pneumonia
(EP) is a disease in which a certain type of white blood cell
called an eosinophil accumulates in the lung. These cells cause
disruption of the normal air spaces (alveoli) where oxygen is
extracted from the atmosphere. Several different kinds of
eosinophilic pneumonia exist and can occur in any age group. The
most common symptoms include cough, fever, difficulty breathing,
and sweating at night. EP is diagnosed by a combination of
characteristic symptoms, findings on a physical examination by a
health provider, and the results of blood tests and x-rays.
Prognosis is excellent once most EP is recognized and treatment
with corticosteroids is begun. Types of eosinophilic pneumonia
Eosinophilic pneumonia is divided into different categories
depending upon whether a cause can be determined or not. Known
causes include certain medications or environmental triggers,
parasitic infections, and cancer. EP can also occur when the
immune system attacks the lu