Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Revising Medical Author : George Schiffman, MD
Revising Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
What is hypersensitivity pneumonitis and what
causes it?
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an inflammation of the
lung (usually of the very small airways) caused by the body's immune
reaction to small air-borne
particles. These particles can be bacteria, mold, fungi, or even
inorganic matter.
What is acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
Acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis tends to occur 4-12 hours after exposure (usually heavy exposure) to the particles.
What are the symptoms of acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
Symptoms of acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis include:
- fever,
- chills,
- coughing,
- shortness of breath,
- body aches, etc.
Chest x-rays may show diffuse small nodules in the lungs. Typically, the symptoms will subside hours to days after exposure (provided there are no repeated exposures). The Chest x-ray abnormalities will also disappear. The
patient's condition can deteriorate after exposure; therefore it is imperative
that a medical evaluation be performed to determine the best course of
treatment.
What is chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
Chronic (long-term) hypersensitivity pneumonitis causes lung scarring (fibrosis).
What are the symptoms of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
Symptoms of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis include:
- of shortness of breath and,
- cough.
Chronic disease is believed to occur after prolonged low grade exposure to the offending particles.
What are examples of hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
Examples of hypersensitivity pneumonitis include:
- farmer's lung disease from exposure to mold spores in hay,
- pigeon breeder's disease from exposure to protein particles in pigeon droppings,
- sauna takers' disease from exposure to mold growing in wet containers,
- mushroom workers' disease from exposure to moldy compost,
- bagassosis from exposure to moldy sugar cane, and
- many others.
The most common form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis results from exposure to pet birds.
How is hypersensitivity pneumonitis diagnosed?
Many people with episodes of hypersensitivity pneumonitis are probably unrecognized and undiagnosed. Some cases believed to be viral pneumonias may actually be hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The patient's history of repeated episodes of typical symptoms, hours after exposure to certain environments are important in establishing the diagnosis.
Blood antibody tests and skin tests against certain offending molds, bacteria, or particles are also available but their results are usually inconclusive. The interpretation of these tests is complicated, and is best performed by a doctor experienced in hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The most accurate determination of the cause of hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a detailed exposure history.
What is the treatment of hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
The most important treatment of hypersensitivity pneumonitis is avoidance of repeated exposures to the offending particles. With early diagnosis and prevention, the prognosis is good. Prolonged, repeated exposures can lead to permanent lung damage, scarring, and potentially significant disability.
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- Chest X-ray - A chest x-ray is a radiology test that involves exposing the chest briefly to radiation to produce an image of the chest and the internal organs of the chest. chest x-ray can be used to define abnormalities of the lungs such as excessive fluid, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, cysts, and cancers. Source:MedicineNet
- Bronchoscopy - Read about bronchoscopy, a procedure used to view a patient's lung, airways, voice box, vocal cord, trachea, and many branches of bronchi. There are two types of bronchoscopes, flexible fiberoptic and rigid. Source:MedicineNet
- Pulmonary Fibrosis - Pulmonary fibrosis means scarring throughout the lungs. Pulmonary fibrosis has many causes such as exposure to asbestos, silica, and infections. Source:MedicineNet
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Last Editorial Review: 7/11/2007
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