Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (pronunciation: hi-per-sen-si-tiv-ity new-mo-ni-tis) is a complex syndrome of varying intensity, clinical presentation, and natural history. It is also known as extrinsic allergic alveolitis.

Etymology

The term "hypersensitivity pneumonitis" originates from the Greek words "hyper" (meaning over or above), "sensitivity" (from the Latin "sensitivus"), "pneumo" (meaning lung), and "itis" (meaning inflammation).

Definition

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an inflammation of the alveoli within the lung caused by hypersensitivity to inhaled organic dusts. These dusts can be a variety of substances, from mold spores to certain chemicals.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis can vary greatly, but commonly include shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue. In severe cases, it can lead to pulmonary fibrosis, a severe lung disease that causes shortness of breath, coughing, and decreased oxygen levels in the blood.

Causes

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is caused by an immune system response in the lungs to inhaled dusts, which are often organic. These can include bacteria, fungi, animal proteins, or chemicals. Some common sources of these dusts include hay, bird feathers, and moldy environments.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis involves a combination of a detailed patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as chest X-ray, lung function tests, and sometimes a lung biopsy.

Treatment

Treatment for hypersensitivity pneumonitis involves avoiding the inhaled substance causing the disease. In some cases, corticosteroid medication may be used to reduce inflammation in the lungs. In severe cases, oxygen therapy or a lung transplant may be necessary.

Related Terms

• Allergy
• Pneumonitis
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Inflammation
• Immune system

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• Wikipedia's article - Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

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