Report
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: an overlooked cause of cough and dyspnea
Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives, v 7(2), pp 95-99
03 Apr 2017
PMID: 28638572
Abstract
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an immune-mediated pulmonary disorder involving inflammation of the lung interstitium, terminal bronchioles, and alveoli caused by the immune response to the inhalation of an offending environmental airborne agent. It can manifest as exertional dyspnea, fatigue, weight loss, and progressive respiratory failure if left untreated. Because of its protean features, it can be misdiagnosed as other common obstructive lung conditions such as asthma. If triggers are not avoided, it can progress to irreversible pulmonary fibrosis. In this article, we present the case of a 51-year-old male who presented to our hospital with recurrent bouts of dyspnea and cough, initially diagnosed as an asthma exacerbation. He received a final diagnosis of HP after investigation of his workplace revealed airborne spores and surface molds from multiple fungal species, serology revealed eosinophilia, and computed tomography showed bronchiectasis. Avoidance of occupational exposure resulted in significant improvement of his respiratory symptoms after two months.
Abbreviations: HP: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
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Details
- Title
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: an overlooked cause of cough and dyspnea
- Creators
- Ryan S. D'souza - University of Colorado DenverAnthony Donato - Reading Hospital
- Publication Details
- Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives, v 7(2), pp 95-99
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Number of pages
- 5
- Resource Type
- Report
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Medicine (Graduate); General Internal Medicine
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000405899500007
- Other Identifier
- 991022161732104721