BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuDrug-induced pulmonary diseaseInterstitial lung disease - drug inducedDrug-induced pulmonary disease is lung disease brought on by a bad reaction to a medicine. Pulmonary means related to the lungs. Causes Many types of lung injury can result from medicines. It is usually impossible to predict who will develop lung disease from a medicine.Types of lung problems or diseases that may be caused by medicines include:Allergic reactions -- asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, or eosinophilic pneumonia Allergic reactionsAllergic reactions are sensitivities to substances called allergens that come into contact with the skin, nose, eyes, respiratory tract, and gastroin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article AsthmaAsthma is a chronic disease that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow. It leads to breathing difficulty such as wheezing, shortness o...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hypersensitivity pneumonitisHypersensitivity pneumonitis is inflammation of the lungs due to breathing in dust, fungus, molds, or other substances.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Eosinophilic pneumoniaSimple pulmonary eosinophilia is inflammation of the lungs from an increase in eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. Pulmonary means related to t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bleeding into the lung air sacs, called alveoli (alveolar hemorrhage) Swelling and inflamed tissue in the main passages that carry air to the lungs (bronchitis) BronchitisAcute bronchitis is swelling and inflamed tissue in the bronchi, the main passages that carry air to the lungs. This swelling narrows the airways, w...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Damage to lung tissue (interstitial fibrosis) Interstitial fibrosisInterstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of lung disorders in which the lung tissues become inflamed and then damaged.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Drugs that cause the immune system to mistakenly attack and destroy healthy body tissue, such as drug-induced lupus erythematosus Drug-induced lupus erythematosusDrug-induced lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder that is triggered by a reaction to a medicine.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Granulomatous lung disease -- a type of inflammation in the lungs Inflammation of the lung air sacs (pneumonitis or infiltration) Lung vasculitis (inflammation of lung blood vessels) Lymph node swelling Lymph node swellingLymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the chest area between the lungs (mediastinitis) MediastinitisMediastinitis is swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the chest area between the lungs (mediastinum). This area contains the heart, large blood...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) Pulmonary edemaPulmonary edema is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs. This buildup of fluid leads to shortness of breath.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity (pleural effusion) Pleural effusionA pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Abnormal pressure of the arteries that bring blood to the lungs (pulmonary hypertension)Many medicines and substances are known to cause lung disease in some people. These include:Antibiotics, such as nitrofurantoin and sulfa drugs Heart medicines, such as amiodarone Chemotherapy drugs such as bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, and methotrexate ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Immunotherapy drugs that are used to treat cancer Street drugs Symptoms Symptoms may include any of the following:Bloody sputum Bloody sputumCoughing up blood is the spitting up of blood or bloody mucus from the lungs and throat (respiratory tract). Hemoptysis is the medical term for cough...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Chest pain Chest painChest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cough CoughCoughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. But too much coughing may mean you have a disease or disorder. Some coughs are d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fever FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Shortness of breath Shortness of breathBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article WheezingWheezingWheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing. It occurs when air moves through narrowed breathing tubes in the lungs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests The health care provider 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 Arterial blood gasesBlood gases are a measurement of how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your blood. They also determine the acidity (pH) of your blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood test to check for an autoimmune disorder AutoimmuneAn autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake. There are more than 80 autoimmune d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood chemistry Bronchoscopy BronchoscopyBronchoscopy is a test to view the airways and diagnose lung disease. It may also be used during the treatment of some lung conditions.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Complete blood count with blood differential Complete blood countA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood differentialThe blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest CT scan Chest CT scanA chest CT (computed tomography) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the chest and upper abdomen....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest x-ray Chest x-rayA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lung biopsy (in rare cases) Lung biopsyA lung needle biopsy is a method to remove a piece of lung tissue for examination. If it is done through the wall of your chest, it is called a tran...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lung function tests Lung function testsPulmonary function tests are a group of tests that measure breathing and how well the lungs are functioning.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Thoracentesis (if pleural effusion is present)ThoracentesisThoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid from the space between the lining of the outside of the lungs (pleura) and the wall of the chest....Read Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment The first step is to stop the medicine that is causing the problem. Other treatments depend on your specific symptoms. For example, you may need oxygen until the drug-induced lung disease improves. Anti-inflammatory medicines called corticosteroids are most often used to quickly reverse the lung inflammation. Outlook (Prognosis) Acute episodes usually go away within 48 to 72 hours after the medicine has been stopped. Chronic symptoms may take longer to improve.AcuteAcute means sudden. Acute symptoms appear, change, or worsen rapidly. It is the opposite of chronic.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ChronicChronic refers to something that continues over an extended period of time. A chronic condition is usually long-lasting and does not easily or quick...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Some drug-induced lung diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis, may never go away and can worsen, even after the medicine or substance is stopped and can lead to severe lung disease and death. Possible Complications Complications that may develop include:Diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis Diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosisInterstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of lung disorders in which the lung tissues become inflamed and then damaged.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hypoxemia (low blood oxygen) Respiratory failureRespiratory failureRespiratory acidosis is a condition that occurs when your lungs can’t remove all of the carbon dioxide produced by your body. This causes the blood ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of this disorder. Prevention Note any past reaction you have had to a medicine, so that you can avoid the medicine in the future. Wear a medical alert bracelet if you have known drug reactions. Stay away from street drugs.Open ReferencesReferencesKurian ST, Walker CM, Chung JH. Drug-induced lung disease. In: Walker CM, Chung JH, eds. Muller's Imaging of the Chest. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 65.Limper AH. Drug-induced pulmonary disease. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 99.AllVideoImagesTogRespiratory system - illustration Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.Respiratory systemillustrationRespiratory system - illustration Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.Respiratory systemillustrationA Closer Look Scleroderma - InDepth(In-Depth)Gastroesophageal reflux disease(Alt. Medicine)Systemic lupus erythematosus - InDepth(In-Depth)Gastroesophageal reflux disease and heartburn - InDepth(In-Depth)Restless legs syndrome and related disorders - InDepth(In-Depth)Asthma in adults - InDepth(In-Depth)Depression - InDepth(In-Depth)Asthma in children and adolescents - InDepth(In-Depth)Colorectal cancer(Alt. Medicine)Peptic ulcer(Alt. Medicine)Related Information Allergic reactions(Injury)Interstitial lung disease(Condition)Pulmonary edema(Condition)Pleural effusion(Condition)Respiratory(Special Topic)Systemic lupus erythematosus(Condition)Chemotherapy(Special Topic)Cardiovascular(Special Topic)Interstitial lung disease - adults - discharge(Discharge)Systemic lupus erythematosus - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 5/3/2023 Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron, Jr. Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. 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Drug-induced pulmonary diseaseInterstitial lung disease - drug inducedDrug-induced pulmonary disease is lung disease brought on by a bad reaction to a medicine. Pulmonary means related to the lungs. Causes Many types of lung injury can result from medicines. It is usually impossible to predict who will develop lung disease from a medicine.Types of lung problems or diseases that may be caused by medicines include:Allergic reactions -- asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, or eosinophilic pneumonia Allergic reactionsAllergic reactions are sensitivities to substances called allergens that come into contact with the skin, nose, eyes, respiratory tract, and gastroin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article AsthmaAsthma is a chronic disease that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow. It leads to breathing difficulty such as wheezing, shortness o...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hypersensitivity pneumonitisHypersensitivity pneumonitis is inflammation of the lungs due to breathing in dust, fungus, molds, or other substances.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Eosinophilic pneumoniaSimple pulmonary eosinophilia is inflammation of the lungs from an increase in eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. Pulmonary means related to t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bleeding into the lung air sacs, called alveoli (alveolar hemorrhage) Swelling and inflamed tissue in the main passages that carry air to the lungs (bronchitis) BronchitisAcute bronchitis is swelling and inflamed tissue in the bronchi, the main passages that carry air to the lungs. This swelling narrows the airways, w...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Damage to lung tissue (interstitial fibrosis) Interstitial fibrosisInterstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of lung disorders in which the lung tissues become inflamed and then damaged.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Drugs that cause the immune system to mistakenly attack and destroy healthy body tissue, such as drug-induced lupus erythematosus Drug-induced lupus erythematosusDrug-induced lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder that is triggered by a reaction to a medicine.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Granulomatous lung disease -- a type of inflammation in the lungs Inflammation of the lung air sacs (pneumonitis or infiltration) Lung vasculitis (inflammation of lung blood vessels) Lymph node swelling Lymph node swellingLymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the chest area between the lungs (mediastinitis) MediastinitisMediastinitis is swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the chest area between the lungs (mediastinum). This area contains the heart, large blood...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) Pulmonary edemaPulmonary edema is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs. This buildup of fluid leads to shortness of breath.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity (pleural effusion) Pleural effusionA pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Abnormal pressure of the arteries that bring blood to the lungs (pulmonary hypertension)Many medicines and substances are known to cause lung disease in some people. These include:Antibiotics, such as nitrofurantoin and sulfa drugs Heart medicines, such as amiodarone Chemotherapy drugs such as bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, and methotrexate ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Immunotherapy drugs that are used to treat cancer Street drugs Symptoms Symptoms may include any of the following:Bloody sputum Bloody sputumCoughing up blood is the spitting up of blood or bloody mucus from the lungs and throat (respiratory tract). Hemoptysis is the medical term for cough...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Chest pain Chest painChest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cough CoughCoughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. But too much coughing may mean you have a disease or disorder. Some coughs are d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fever FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Shortness of breath Shortness of breathBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article WheezingWheezingWheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing. It occurs when air moves through narrowed breathing tubes in the lungs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests The health care provider 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 Arterial blood gasesBlood gases are a measurement of how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your blood. They also determine the acidity (pH) of your blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood test to check for an autoimmune disorder AutoimmuneAn autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake. There are more than 80 autoimmune d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood chemistry Bronchoscopy BronchoscopyBronchoscopy is a test to view the airways and diagnose lung disease. It may also be used during the treatment of some lung conditions.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Complete blood count with blood differential Complete blood countA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood differentialThe blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest CT scan Chest CT scanA chest CT (computed tomography) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the chest and upper abdomen....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest x-ray Chest x-rayA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lung biopsy (in rare cases) Lung biopsyA lung needle biopsy is a method to remove a piece of lung tissue for examination. If it is done through the wall of your chest, it is called a tran...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lung function tests Lung function testsPulmonary function tests are a group of tests that measure breathing and how well the lungs are functioning.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Thoracentesis (if pleural effusion is present)ThoracentesisThoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid from the space between the lining of the outside of the lungs (pleura) and the wall of the chest....Read Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment The first step is to stop the medicine that is causing the problem. Other treatments depend on your specific symptoms. For example, you may need oxygen until the drug-induced lung disease improves. Anti-inflammatory medicines called corticosteroids are most often used to quickly reverse the lung inflammation. Outlook (Prognosis) Acute episodes usually go away within 48 to 72 hours after the medicine has been stopped. Chronic symptoms may take longer to improve.AcuteAcute means sudden. Acute symptoms appear, change, or worsen rapidly. It is the opposite of chronic.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ChronicChronic refers to something that continues over an extended period of time. A chronic condition is usually long-lasting and does not easily or quick...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Some drug-induced lung diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis, may never go away and can worsen, even after the medicine or substance is stopped and can lead to severe lung disease and death. Possible Complications Complications that may develop include:Diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis Diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosisInterstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of lung disorders in which the lung tissues become inflamed and then damaged.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hypoxemia (low blood oxygen) Respiratory failureRespiratory failureRespiratory acidosis is a condition that occurs when your lungs can’t remove all of the carbon dioxide produced by your body. This causes the blood ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of this disorder. Prevention Note any past reaction you have had to a medicine, so that you can avoid the medicine in the future. Wear a medical alert bracelet if you have known drug reactions. Stay away from street drugs.Open ReferencesReferencesKurian ST, Walker CM, Chung JH. Drug-induced lung disease. In: Walker CM, Chung JH, eds. Muller's Imaging of the Chest. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 65.Limper AH. Drug-induced pulmonary disease. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 99.