Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Alternate Names : Extrinsic allergic alveolitis, Farmer's lung, Mushroom picker's disease, Humidifier or air-conditioner lung, Bird breeder's lung
Symptoms & Signs
Symptoms of acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis may occur 4 - 6 hours after you have left the area where the foreign substance is found. These symptoms may include: Symptoms of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis may include:
- Breathlessness, especially with exertion
- Cough, often dry
- Loss of appetite
- Unintentional weight loss
Diagnosis & Tests
Your doctor may hear abnormal lung sounds called crackles (rales) when listening to your chest with a stethoscope. Lung changes due to chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis may be seen on chest x-ray. Other tests may include:
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