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.
Prognosis (Expectations)
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.
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.
-
Drug-induced pulmonary disease : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
-
Drug-induced pulmonary disease : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
-
Drug-induced pulmonary disease : Treatment
Review Date : 4/16/2009
Reviewed By : David A. Kaufman, MD, Section Chief, Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Bridgeport Hospital-Yale New Haven Health System, and Assistant Clinical Professor, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.