PHYSOLOGICAL ASPECTS AND DISABILITY – RCS 4060
Mandatory Research Paper
Chase Taylor
Date: November 24, 2003
Nye Lendway
“Eosinophilic Interstitial Pneumonitis”
The lungs are one of the most essential and hard working organs that are found in the human anatomy. Thus, any incident involving the respiratory system that restricts it from its normal functioning tends to be life-threatening and in most cases, fatal. Eosinophilic Interstitial Pneumonitis also referred to as “EP” continues to be the one of the rarest forms of pneumonitis affecting 1 in 4300 people in the United States. Since the 1960’s researchers have increasingly gained knowledge on methods of prevention and treatment while working alongside of medical professionals to create ways Americans can cope with the impact it has on their daily lifestyle. Organizations like the American Lung Association (ALA) have put forth efforts to reduce the amount of deaths caused by this disease and have impacted the awareness of Americans by shedding light on its etiology, addressing the predisposing factors, signs and symptoms, highlighting medications and treatment plans and paving the way for future research activities.
First and foremost, EP was first described by CB Carrington in 1969, as a condition where a particular type of white blood cell called an eosinophil accumulates in the interstitial spaces within the lungs. Eosinophils are red-stained cells that act as “soldiers” in the human body protecting it from various amounts of parasites and infections. Parasites such as the hookworm are common causes of EP as well as other types of pneumonitis as well. The main problem that these parasites present is not only the accumulation of eosinophils in the lungs but the effects these blood cells have on the functionality of the lungs. The lungs are broken down into bronchi,...