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Drug-induced pulmonary disease

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Respiratory system
Respiratory system

Definition    Return to top

Drug-induced pulmonary disease is lung disease caused by a bad reaction to a medication.

Causes    Return to top

Many types of lung injury can result from medications, and it is often impossible to predict who will develop lung disease resulting from a medication or drug.

The types of lung diseases that may result from medications include:

Numerous drugs are known to cause lung disease in some people, including those used during chemotherapy and to treat certain heart conditions. Other drugs known to cause lung disease in some people include certain antibiotics and illicit drugs.

Symptoms    Return to top

Note: Symptoms may vary from person to person.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

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:

Treatment    Return to top

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.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Acute episodes usually go away within 48 - 72 hours after the medication has been discontinued, but chronic syndromes may take longer to resolve. Some drug-induced lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis may never go away.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder occur.

Prevention    Return to top

Previous reaction to medication should be noted, so that you can avoid the medication. Wear a medical allergy bracelet if you have known drug reactions. Avoid the abuse of illicit drugs, as this will prevent many drug-induced lung diseases.

References    Return to top

Murray J, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2000. 

Noble J. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001.

Update Date: 8/3/2007

Updated by: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veteran Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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