Symptoms:

• Bloody sputum
• Chest pain
• Cough
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

Note: Symptoms may vary from person to person.

Signs and tests:

The doctor will perform a physical exam and listen to your chest and lungs with a stethoscope. Abnormal breath sounds may be heard.

Tests that may be done include:

• Arterial blood gases
• Autoimmune blood tests
• Blood chemistry
• Bronchoscopy
• Complete blood count with blood differential
• Chest CT scan
• Chest x-ray
• Lung biopsy (in rare cases)
• Lung function tests
• Thoracentesis (if pleural effusion is present)

Treatment:

The first step is to stop the drug that is causing the problem. Other treatments depend on your specific symptoms. For instance, you may need oxygen until the drug-induced lung disease improves. Powerful anti-inflammatory medicines called steroids are sometimes used and may quickly reverse the lung inflammation.

Expectations (prognosis):

Acute episodes usually go away within 48 - 72 hours after the medication has been stopped. Chronic symptoms may take longer to improve.

Some drug-induced lung diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis, may never go away.

Complications:

• Diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis
• Hypoxemia (low blood oxygen)
• Respiratory failure

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of this disorder.

Prevention:

Note any past reaction you have had to a medication, so that you can avoid the medication in the future. Wear a medical allergy bracelet if you have known drug reactions. Avoid the abuse of illegal drugs to prevent many drug-induced lung diseases.