Pulmonary Schistosomiasis

Pulmonary schistosomiasis: schistosomulae/adults migrate/oviposit in lung; inflammation/abscess/granuloma/pseudotubercle; most common ectopic schistosomiasis. Respiratory symptoms: fever/cough/hemoptysis/chest pain/asthma.

Common Symptoms

Lymphadenopathy; dyspnea; abdominal pain; low fever; nausea; remittent/intermittent fever; shortness of breath; rales

Causes and Pathogenesis

Source: feces/urine/sputum eggs; Oncomelania vector. Cercariae → skin → schistosomulum (5-6 h subcutis) → right heart/pulmonary capillaries day 2 → portal vein day 8-9 → mature → retrograde to mesenteric/hemorrhoidal veins; 4-6 weeks to oviposition. Ectopic when eggs/schistosomulae reach lung via portal-systemic collaterals. Early: allergic pneumonitis (congestion/hemorrhage/eosinophils) 1-2 weeks. Mature eggs: necrosis/acute exudation/endarteritis/eosinophilic granuloma/abscess → pseudotubercle (epithelioid + giant cells) → fibrosis/calcification. Immature eggs: milder reaction. Chronic: mechanical/chemical irritation → interstitial/brochial submucosal hyperemia/edema/ulcer/stricture/glandular hyperplasia/infiltrate.

Treatment

Drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Treat patients/livestock; fecal management; snail control; avoid infested water.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Respiratory Medicine department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.