TROPICAL PULMONARY EOSINOPHILIA / MedUrgent

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TROPICAL PULMONARY EOSINOPHILIA

It is common in areas where Bancrofti filariasis is endemic. It is due to entrapment of microfilaria of W.Bancrofti and W.Brugiya within the lungs where they elicit an eosinophilia hypersensitivity reaction.






Clinical features

Nocturnal cough and wheezes, malaise and loss of weight are common presenting symptoms. Eosinophil count is very high and chest X-ray may be normal or more commonly shows reticular appearance similar to miliary mottling. Pulmonary fibrosis occurs later.





Treatment

Diethylcarbamazine 5mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses for 3 weeks. A second course may be required.


Anti-filarial drug activity:




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