Eosinophilic lung diseases.

In the last 30 years studies have shown that the lungs have been the target of eosinophilic migration producing eosinophilic lung diseases (ELD) secondary to allergens, irritants, parasites, infections, antibodies and drugs. Specific diagnoses can be made by: (1) Peripheral blood eosinophilia and chest X-ray infiltrates. (2) Lung biopsy. (3) Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). In developing countries ELD are most frequently associated with parasitic infection. This paper defines, classifies and presents the clinical characteristics and treatment of these diseases with emphasis on parasitic lung problems.