What is hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is the inflammation of the lungs caused by the inhalation of dust, fungi or mold, especially among groups working in places exposed to these substances. But it also appears as a consequence of exposure to heating, air conditioning and some chemical products. A typical case of pneumotitis is pneumopathy, which often affects people who work with birds and are exposed to the protein found in their feathers and droppings, and farmers, in constant contact with dust, hay, straw or grain. This condition may eventually develop into a chronic or long-lasting lung disease.
Prognosis of the disease
Symptoms may disappear when exposure to the substance that has caused the problem is avoided or limited. Early prevention is always the best option in these cases. That is, if measures are taken in the early stages, the prognosis is good.
In the most extreme cases there may be respiratory failure, loss of appetite and involuntary weight loss.
Symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Symptoms appear 4 to 6 hours after leaving the problem area. This makes it difficult to establish a connection between that area and the presenting symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Chills
- Coughing
- Fever
- General malaise and shortness of breath
In the most extreme cases there may be respiratory failure, poor appetite and unintentional weight loss.
Medical tests for hypersensitivity pneumonitis
The specialist may perform physical examinations in addition to a blood test to see the possible cause of the inflammation. In addition, a chest x-ray may be performed to observe pulmonary changes. Other tests to be performed are:
- Bronchoscopy, to look at the bronchi.
- CT scan of the chest.
- Blood tests for antibodies
- Pulmonary function tests
- Surgical biopsy of the lung
What causes hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis occurs in people who work in places where high levels of organic dusts, fungi, or molds accumulate. It can also be caused by exposure to certain chemicals or by the presence of humidifiers and air conditioning and heating systems in homes or offices.
Can it be prevented?
If the cause of the pneumonitis is known, for example, in cases of contact with certain substances in the workplace, the solution is to avoid such contact and establish medical treatment.
Treatments for hypersensitivity pneumonitis
The main thing is to identify the substance that has caused the problem and avoid it in the future. If the problem is the workplace, the location should be changed or the substances should be avoided in the workplace. If the condition is more severe, asthma treatments may help.
What specialist treats it?
Allergology is the medical specialty in charge of the diagnosis and treatment of diseases produced by immunological mechanisms. The important thing to detect if you have an allergic infection is the realization, by the allergist, of an etiological study of the causes, to identify the allergenic source and the diagnosis at the molecule level, as well as its integral treatment.