Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (patient information)
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Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia |
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Asthma On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Manpreet Kaur, MD [2]
Overview
What are the symptoms of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia?
- Approximately 75% of people have symptoms 1-2 months prior to seeking medical attention.
- Symptoms of organizing pneumonia differ depending on the underlying subtype (cryptogenic, secondary, or focal), and include:[1]
| Symptom | Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia | Secondary Organizing Pneumonia | Focal Organizing Pneumonia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cough | 95% | 90% | 20% |
| Dyspnea | 85% | 90% | 10% |
| Sputum | 70% | 40% | 10% |
| Hemoptysis | 25% | 10% | - |
| Pleuritic Pain | 35% | 20% | - |
| Weight Loss | 50% | 35% | - |
| Fever | 55% | 45% | - |
| Night Sweats | 40% | 45% | - |
| Flu-like Symptoms | 30% | 35% | - |
What causes of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia?
- By definition, cryptogenic organizing pneumonia has no identifiable etiology.
- However, organizing pneumonia secondary to a known etiology is clinically identical to COP.
- Some of the causes of organizing pneumonia include infectious agents, drugs, inflammatory diseases, and toxic exposures.
- These causes need to be ruled out for a diagnosis of COP to be made.
Who is at highest risk?
Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia affects men and women equally, usually beginning between the ages of 40 and 60.
Diagnosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia
Prevention
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
The overall prognosis for cryptogenic organizing pneumonia is significantly better than that of other interstitial lung diseases. Recovery occurs in approximately 2/3 of patients treated with steroids, with symptoms generally clearing over several months.
Possible complications
Sources
- ↑ Lohr RH, Boland BJ, Douglas WW, Dockrell DH, Colby TV, Swensen SJ; et al. (1997). "Organizing pneumonia. Features and prognosis of cryptogenic, secondary, and focal variants". Arch Intern Med. 157 (12): 1323–9. PMID 9201006.