Hypersensitivity pneumonitis - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment Options

Diseases

Highlights & Basics

Key Highlights

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an inflammation of the alveoli and distal bronchioles caused by an immune response to inhaled allergens.
Occupational exposure to organic dust is the key epidemiological factor - most commonly including Actinomycetes bacteria, animal proteins, or reactive chemicals.
Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion when evaluating individuals with interstitial lung disease or recurrent flu-like illness.
Various tests may be used to corroborate a presumptive diagnosis, but no test is pathognomonic.
Treatment involves avoidance of causative agent and use of corticosteroids.

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History & Exam
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Definition

Epidemiology

Etiology

Pathophysiology

Citations

Key Articles

Raghu G, Remy-Jardin M, Ryerson CJ, et al. Diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in adults. An Official ATS/JRS/ALAT clinical practice guideline. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2020 Aug 1;202(3):e36-69.[Abstract][Full Text]
Quirce S, Vandenplas O, Campo P, et al. Occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis: an EAACI position paper. Allergy. 2016 Jun;71(6):765-79.[Abstract][Full Text]
Fernández Pérez ER, Travis WD, Lynch DA, et al. Diagnosis and evaluation of hypersensitivity pneumonitis: CHEST guideline and expert panel report. Chest. 2021 Aug;160(2):e97-156.[Abstract][Full Text]

Referenced Articles

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