Final answer:
Eosinophilic pneumonia presents with typical pneumonia symptoms but is distinguished by an increased number of eosinophils in the lungs, which can indicate infections, hypersensitivity, or autoimmune conditions. Diagnosis often involves blood tests and imaging, and treatment includes corticosteroids.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eosinophilic pneumonia (PNA) typically presents with symptoms similar to other types of pneumonia, such as cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. However, it is characterized by an increased number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the lungs. These cells can be a marker for infection or hypersensitivity reactions. In the context of eosinophilic pneumonia, a marked increase in eosinophils is often associated with lung inflammation and may be due to a variety of causes, including parasitic infections, drug reactions, or autoimmune diseases.
To diagnose eosinophilic pneumonia, doctors may use a combination of patient history, blood tests, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and imaging studies such as high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Treatment for eosinophilic pneumonia typically involves corticosteroids and addressing the underlying cause of the eosinophil increase, if identifiable.