Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a type of inflammation in and around the tiny air sacs (alveoli) and smallest airways (bronchioles) of the lung caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to inhaled organic dusts or, less commonly, chemicals.
Dusts that contain microorganisms or proteins may cause a hypersensitivity reaction in the lungs.
People may develop fever, cough, chills, and shortness of breath within 4 to 8 hours of re-exposure to substances to which they are sensitized.
Doctors use chest computed tomography (CT) and tests of lung function to determine whether there is a problem with the lungs.
The substance that is causing the reaction can sometimes be identified by using a blood test and, when the person is affected at work, an industrial hygiene specialist may analyze the workplace to identify triggering substances.
People who work with substances that are likely to cause hypersensitivity reactions should use protective equipment, such as face masks, during work.
People who can avoid re-exposure usually recover, but they sometimes need to take corticosteroids to reduce lung inflammation.
(See also Overview of Interstitial Lung Diseases.)
In these hypersensitivity reactions (also called allergic reactions), the immune system attacks something in an organic dust or chemical the person inhales. Substances released by cells of the immune system damage the lungs, where the dust has lodged. The part of the inhaled dust that triggers the immune reaction is called an antigen.
Causes of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Many substances can cause hypersensitivity reactions in the lungs. Organic dusts that contain microorganisms or proteins, and chemicals, such as isocyanates, may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Farmer's lung, which results from repeated inhalation of heat-loving (thermophilic) bacteria in moldy hay, is a well-known example of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Bird fancier's lung is another example. It occurs when dust from the droppings or feathers of birds (either on living birds or in pillows and comforters) is inhaled.
Did You Know...
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Lung damage appears to result from damage done by lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Initial exposures to the dusts sensitize lymphocytes. Some lymphocytes then help to produce antibodies that play a role in tissue damage. Other lymphocytes participate directly in inflammation after subsequent antigen exposure. Recurrent exposure to the antigen results in a chronic inflammatory response, which is manifested by a buildup of white blood cells in the walls of the alveoli and small airways. This buildup leads progressively to symptoms and disease.
What Causes Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis?
Disease | Source of Dust Particles or Antigens |
|---|---|
Bagassosis | Sugarcane |
Bird fancier's lung, pigeon breeder's lung, hen worker's lung | Dusts from the droppings or feathers from parakeets, pigeons, and chickens |
Cheese washer's lung | Cheese mold |
Chemical worker's lung | Chemicals used in manufacturing polyurethane foam, molding, insulation, synthetic rubber, and packaging materials |
Coffee worker's lung | Unroasted coffee beans |
Cork worker's lung (suberosis) | Moldy cork |
Farmer's lung | Moldy hay |
Hot tub lung | Bacteria-contaminated hot tubs and therapy pools |
Humidifier lung | Humidifiers and air conditioners |
Maple bark stripper's lung | Infected maple bark |
Malt worker's lung | Moldy barley or malt |
Miller's lung | Weevil-infested wheat flour |
Mushroom worker's lung | Mushroom compost |
Sequoiosis | Moldy sawdust from redwoods |
Woodworker's lung | Wood dust |
Symptoms of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Depending on how quickly symptoms develop, hypersensitivity pneumonitis may be
Acute
Subacute
Chronic
In acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis, people develop fever, cough, chills, and shortness of breath typically 4 to 8 hours after re-exposure to significant amounts of the causative organic dust. Wheezing is unusual. If people have no further contact with the antigen, symptoms usually diminish over a day or two, but complete recovery may take weeks.
Subacute hypersensitivity pneumonitis develops more slowly. Cough and shortness of breath may develop and worsen over days or weeks. Sometimes symptoms may be so severe that people need to be hospitalized.
With chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, people repeatedly come in contact with an antigen over months to years, and lung scarring (fibrosis) may result. Shortness of breath during exercise, cough, and fatigue, may gradually progress over months or years. Eventually, the disease may lead to respiratory failure. Older people may be more prone to chronic, progressively worsening disease because they have been exposed to an antigen for a long period of time.
Diagnosis of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Chest computed tomography
The diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis is based partly on symptoms, the clinical features, identification (if possible) of the dust or other substance causing the problem, as determined by what the person says, an analysis of the workplace by industrial hygiene specialists, , or a combination.
Doctors may suspect the diagnosis based on chest x-ray findings. Usually, however, computed tomography (CT) of the chest is needed to help confirm the diagnosis. Results of pulmonary function tests—which measure the lungs' capacity to hold air and their ability to move air in and out and to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide—are used to assess how well the lungs work and may help support a diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
In cases that are not clear, especially when an infection is suspected, doctors may remove small pieces of lung tissue for examination under a microscope (lung biopsies). To obtain a tissue sample, a viewing tube may need to be inserted through the chest wall (thoracoscopy) and also used to examine the lung surface and pleural space, or an operation in which the chest wall is opened (thoracotomy) may be needed. Sometimes, rather than (or in addition to) removing tissue by using a sharp instrument, the doctor doing the bronchoscopy may wash out the lung with fluid (bronchoalveolar lavage) to extract cells for examination.
Occasionally, blood tests are needed to look for clues to the substance causing the hypersensitivity or to eliminate other possible causes.
Treatment of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Corticosteroids or immunosuppressants
Prevention of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
The best prevention is to avoid exposure to the antigen, but avoiding exposure may be impractical (for example, if the person cannot change jobs). Eliminating or reducing dust, wearing protective masks, and using good ventilation systems may help prevent both sensitization and recurrence. However, even the best prevention methods may not be effective.
