Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (patient information)
|
(Condition) |
|
(Condition) On the Web |
|---|
Template:WikiDoc Sources
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief:; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief:
Overview
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is inflammation of the lungs due to breathing in a foreign substance, usually certain types of dust, fungus, or molds.
What are the symptoms of (condition)?
Symptoms of acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis may occur 4 - 6 hours after you have left the area where the foreign substance is found, making it difficult to find a connection between your activity and the disease.
Symptoms may include:
Chills Cough Fever Malaise (feeling ill) Shortness of breath
Symptoms of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis may include:
Breathlessness, especially with activity Cough, often dry Loss of appetite Unintentional weight loss
What causes (condition)?
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis usually occurs in people who work in places where there are high levels of organic dusts, fungus, or molds.
Bird fancier's lung is the most common type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It is caused by repeated or intense exposure to proteins found in the feathers or droppings of many species of birds. Farmer's lung is caused by exposure to dust from moldy hay, straw, and grain.
These exposures can lead to lung inflammation and acute lung disease. Over time, this acute condition may turn into long-lasting (chronic) lung disease.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis may also be caused by fungi or bacteria in humidifiers, heating systems, and air conditioners found in homes and offices. Exposure to certain chemicals, such as isocyanates or acid anhydrides, can also lead to hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Diagnosis
Your doctor may hear abnormal lung sounds called crackles (rales) when listening to your chest with a stethoscope.
Lung changes due to chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis may be seen on a chest x-ray. Other tests may include:
Aspergillus precipitins test Bronchoscopy with washings, biopsy, and bronchoalveolar lavage CBC High-resolution CT scan of the chest Hypersensitivity pneumonitis antibody panels Krebs von den Lungen-6 assay (KL-6) Pulmonary function tests Video-assisted or open-lung biopsy
Treatment options
First, the foreign substance must be identified. Treatment involves avoiding this substance in the future. Some people may need to change jobs if they cannot avoid the substance at work.
If you have a chronic form of this disease, your doctor may recommend that you take glucocorticoids (powerful anti-inflammatory medicines). Sometimes treatments used for asthma can help people with hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Where to find medical care for (condition)?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Most symptoms go away when you avoid or limit your exposure to the material that caused the problem.
Possible complications
The chronic form of this disease may lead to pulmonary fibrosis (a scarring of the lung tissue that often is not reversible).
Prevention
The chronic form can be prevented by avoiding the material that causes the lung inflammation.
Sources
- Help
- Cardiology patient information
- Congenital disorders patient information
- Dermatology patient information
- Drug patient information
- Emergency medicine patient information
- Endocrinology patient information
- Gastroenterology patient information
- Geriatrics patient information
- Genetic disorders patient information
- Gynecology patient information
- Hematology patient information
- Infectious disease patient information
- Immunology patient information
- Metabolic disorders patient information
- Neurology patient information
- Neurosurgery patient information
- Obstetrics patient information
- Oncology patient information
- Ophthalmology patient information
- Orthopedics patient information
- Otolaryngology patient information
- Pediatrics patient information
- Psychiatry patient information
- Pulmonary patient information
- Rheumatology patient information
- Patient information
- Overview complete
- For review