Understanding Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

What causes hypersensitivity pneumonitis?

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is caused by repeated and prolonged exposure to allergens in the environment. This often occurs at home or in the workplace. But not everyone who is around these substances gets this condition.

Allergens include:

• Bacteria.

• Mold.

• Fungi.

• Chemicals

• Proteins.

These allergens can be found in some work environments, including those of:

• Farming, vegetable, and dairy cattle workers.

• Bird and poultry handlers.

• Animal handlers and veterinarians.

• Grain and flour processors.

• Lumber and construction workers.

• Workers in plastics and electronics industries.

• Textile workers.

Symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis

You can start to have symptoms 4 to 6 hours after exposure. But it can take several months to years to develop an allergy to the substance. Early symptoms are flu-like and include:

• Trouble breathing and shortness of breath.

• Cough.

• Tight chest.

• Fever.

• Chills.

• Tiredness.

• Muscle aches.

Later symptoms include weight loss, chronic bronchitis, signs of lung scarring, and clubbing of fingertips or toes.

Treatment for hypersensitivity pneumonitis

This disease can be reversed if diagnosed or found in its early stages. It's best to stay away from the dust or allergen. If you can’t do that, ask your doctor about wearing a respirator.

Your doctor may recommend:

• Steroids to reduce inflammation.

• Immune suppressing medicines.

• Oxygen therapy.

• Bronchodilators to relax the airways.

• Pulmonary rehabilitation to help you learn breathing methods and improve your quality of life.

Possible complications of hypersensitivity pneumonitis

If this condition is not treated, you can develop:

• Permanent lung scarring (pulmonary fibrosis).

• High blood pressure in the lung arteries (pulmonary hypertension).

• Heart failure.

Living with hypersensitivity pneumonitis

If you have this condition, it’s key to stay away from the substance that is irritating your lungs. This can help reduce the inflammation in the lungs that can lead to permanent scarring. Follow these steps:

• Be sure to have any standing water inside or outside your home removed.

• Keep humidity inside your home or workplace below 60%.

• Have your air conditioning and heating systems checked regularly.

• Have any water damage in your home repaired as soon as possible.

Other important lifestyle steps include:

• Get regular medical care. Keep all appointments with your doctor.

• If you smoke, quit. Some studies suggest smoking can make the disease worse. Ask your doctor about resources to help you quit.

• Stay on top of your mental health. Having a chronic disease can take its toll without good support.

• Keep up to date on vaccines recommended by your doctor, including a yearly flu shot and pneumococcal vaccine.

• Get regular physical activity if your doctor says it's okay.

When to contact your doctor

Contact your doctor right away if you have:

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your doctor.

• Chills.

• Chest tightness.

• Cough.

• Shortness of breath.