Various types of pulmonary eosinophilia have been known for several years. Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (original word for Christoforidis and Molnar 1960) is a rare entity whose diagnosis is possible through clinical, laboratory and radiological data. Other non sophisticated data-CAT, bronchoalveolar lavage, transbronchial biopsy, transthoracic biopsy and even thoracotomy can be used. Seriousness can be very high, demanding an urgent diagnosis and treatment.

A general overview of the R&D activity in fiber optic sensing developed over the last fifteen years in Portugal is given. Different topics are addressed, including inter- ferometric, intensity and Bragg grating based fiber optic sensors, signal processing and multiplexing techniques, optical current sensors, together with some references to field trials and applications. Possible guidelines for present and future national R&D activity on this subject are outlined.