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A Clinical Guide to Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases pp 113–132Cite as

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

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Abstract

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a complex pulmonary disease caused by an immune reaction after respiratory exposure to a wide range of antigens including microbial, plant/animal protein, and low molecular weight chemicals. The diagnosis of HP is difficult and the disease likely remains under diagnosed. Symptoms typically develop after repeated exposure to an etiologic agent and can present abruptly or insidiously. Clinical suspicion and classic radiographic findings are usually sufficient to establish the diagnosis. However, lung biopsy may be required if the diagnosis is in question. The cornerstone of management is avoidance of the inciting antigen, but corticosteroids and even other immunosuppressive agents have been used in severe, rapidly progressing cases. When diagnosed early, HP may be reversible but chronically exposed individuals may develop pulmonary fibrosis and end stage lung disease.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA

    Lawrence Ho

  2. Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, U.S. Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA

    Ware G. Kuschner

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  1. Lawrence Ho
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Correspondence to Ware G. Kuschner .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and, Critical Care Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, 330 Trent Drive, Hanes House, Rm 105-B, Durham, 27705, North Carolina, USA

    Yuh-Chin T. Huang

  2. , Human Studies Facility, Environmental Public Health Division, 104 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, 27711, North Carolina, USA

    Andrew J. Ghio

  3. Department of Medicine, Division of Environmental and, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson, Denver, 80206, Colorado, USA

    Lisa A. Maier

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Ho, L., Kuschner, W.G. (2012). Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis. In: Huang, YC., Ghio, A., Maier, L. (eds) A Clinical Guide to Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases. Respiratory Medicine. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-149-3_6

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