Farmer's lung

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Prab R. Tumpati, MD — Editor-in-Chief, WikiMD Medical Encyclopedia
Internal medicine • Obesity medicine • Sleep medicine
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Farmer's lung
File:Hay shed - geograph.org.uk - 669503.jpg
Synonyms	Extrinsic allergic alveolitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Pulmonology
Symptoms	Cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills
Complications	N/A
Onset	Hours to days after exposure
Duration	Can be chronic with repeated exposure
Types	N/A
Causes	Inhalation of mold spores from hay, straw, or grain
Risks	Farming, agriculture
Diagnosis	Clinical history, chest X-ray, pulmonary function test
Differential diagnosis	Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Prevention	Use of protective masks, proper ventilation
Treatment	Avoidance of exposure, corticosteroids
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, can lead to chronic lung disease if untreated
Frequency	More common in temperate climates
Deaths	N/A

Farmer's lung is a noninfectious allergic disease that is caused by inhaling dust from moldy hay, straw, and grain. This condition is also known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Causes

Farmer's lung is caused by an allergic reaction to the dust from moldy hay, straw, and grain. This dust can contain a variety of molds and fungi, including Aspergillus, Thermoactinomyces, and Saccharopolyspora. The allergic reaction causes inflammation in the lungs, which can lead to permanent lung damage if not treated.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Farmer's lung can vary in severity and may include:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Muscle and joint pain
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Farmer's lung is often based on the patient's history of exposure to moldy hay, straw, or grain. Tests that may be used to confirm the diagnosis include:

• Chest X-ray
• Lung function tests
• Blood tests
• Bronchoscopy

Treatment

Treatment for Farmer's lung primarily involves avoiding further exposure to the dust from moldy hay, straw, or grain. Medications such as corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation in the lungs. In severe cases, oxygen therapy or a lung transplant may be necessary.

Prevention

Prevention of Farmer's lung involves reducing exposure to the dust from moldy hay, straw, or grain. This can be achieved by using proper ventilation, wearing a mask, and keeping hay, straw, and grain dry to prevent mold growth.

See also

• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• Occupational lung disease
• Pulmonary fibrosis