Drug-induced airway diseases

Drug-induced airway disease is a significant problem and must be considered in the differential diagnosis. A history of drug intake with a temporal association should raise the physician's suspicion toward a drug-induced cause. Because most of the conditions are amenable to withdrawal of the offending agent, an early diagnosis is essential. Conditions like obliterative bronchiolitis, are usually irreversible, but timely stoppage of the provoking agent can prevent further progression of the disease. Most of the drug reactions are nonallergic and the physician and the patient should be aware of this fact. In view of the constantly-evolving therapies, an active policy to identify and report adverse effects is essential to develop management strategies and treatment recommendations.