10 Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Symptoms

By lio

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.' A Non-Profit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai, 8 2020, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/h/hypersensitivity-pneumonitis.html
• 2. 'Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.' NHLBI, NIH, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/hypersensitivity-pneumonitis
• 3. 'Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17898-hypersensitivity-pneumonitis
• 4. 'Clubbing of the Fingers or Toes.' Mount Sinai Health System, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/clubbing-of-the-fingers-or-toes

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Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a group of rare immune disorders that affect the lungs. The farmer's lung, hot tub lung or bird fancier's lung are types of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. These occur when the lungs swell during an allergic reaction. The underlying cause of this swelling depends on the individual and what they're sensitive to. Common triggers are bird droppings, chemicals and mold.

A single flare up may go away on its own over a few days. If the person comes in contact with the allergen frequently, however, their lungs may go into a cycle of repeated swelling that can lead to scarring and permanent damage.¹‘Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.’ A Non-Profit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai, 8 2020, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/h/hypersensitivity-pneumonitis.html

Flu-Like Symptoms

Within hours of the initial contact, a person may feel like they've caught the flu. Fever, chills, aches and pains are all common. If a person is exposed to large amounts of the trigger only once, hypersensitivity pneumonitis typically resolves on its own over time. A visit to the doctor may be helpful to get a confirmed diagnosis and management advice, but a single exposure is rarely life-threatening.¹‘Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.’ A Non-Profit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai, 8 2020, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/h/hypersensitivity-pneumonitis.html

A larger concern is people who come into contact with the allergen regularly. A farmer who frequently handles bird droppings or a person whose home has mold can develop more serious symptoms over time.¹‘Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.’ A Non-Profit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai, 8 2020, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/h/hypersensitivity-pneumonitis.html