ALLERGIC PNEUMONITIS DURING CHEMOTHERAPY FOR TUBERCULOSIS: REPORT OF TWO CASES DUE TO PARA-AMINOSALICYLIC ACID

Abstract

Two cases of allergic pneumonitis due to para-amino-salicylic acid are reported in detail to call attention to this complication of the drug therapy of tuberculosis. This pneumonitis can well be mistaken for spread of tuberculosis unless one is aware of the possible allergic etiology. During chemotherapy the development of fever or skin eruption should suggest hypersensitivity reaction to the drugs in use. The recognition of the etiology of such reactions is important since continued use of the drug responsible may result in serious harm to the patient.