Dear Dr. SerVaas: I have had three cases of pneumonia in the past 2 1/2 years. The pulmonary specialist has now diagnosed "PIE" syndrome from my recent sputum test. He stated he knew very little about this condition, as he had seen few cases.

In my 82 years, I have had reasonably good health, although prone to bronchitis following a cold. I have had many and varied reactions to drugs, as well as allergies to perfumes and environmental exposures.

Is this curable? At present I'm being treated with prednisone and an inhaler twice a day. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Virginia Norford
Dayton, Virginia

Dear Reader: PIE syndrome refers to a group of rare lung diseases called "pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia," or eosinophilic pneumonias. The eosinophil, a type of white blood cell, helps destroy parasites and plays a major role in allergic reactions. In people with PIE syndrome, the cells accumulate in the lungs and may cause cough, fever, and difficulty in breathing.

Chronic PIE syndrome occurs more often in women than men and has been described in white patients only. About 60 percent of patients report allergies and asthma. Most are nonsmokers.

PIE syndrome may be caused by parasites, drugs, and fungi. In most cases, however, the cause is unknown. Blood, sputum, and stool tests help doctors diagnose the condition. A chest x-ray, CT scan of the chest, bronchoscopy, and lung biopsy may also be performed.

Treatment with prednisone usually improves symptoms within one week. In general, patients are treated with the steroid at least six months; some may require treatment for years. Patients should not discontinue prednisone without the physician's knowledge. Prognosis is good.