Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Alternate Names : Extrinsic allergic alveolitis, Farmer's lung, Mushroom picker's disease, Humidifier or air-conditioner lung, Bird breeder's lung
Treatment
First, the foreign substance must be identified. Treatment involves avoiding this substance in the future. Some people may need to change jobs if they cannot avoid the substance at work. If you have a chronic form of this disease, your doctor will give you glucocorticoids (powerful anti-inflammatory medicines).
Prognosis (Expectations)
Most symptoms go away when you avoid or limit your exposure to the material that caused the problem.
Complications
The chronic form of this disease may lead to pulmonary fibrosis (a scarring of the lung tissue that often is not reversible).
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
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