Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: An Overview
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis is a type of Pneumonitis, a condition categorized in the most general sense as inflamed lung tissue. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is also called Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis or EAA. This type of pneumonitis is caused by a hypersensitivity to an inhaled irritant, such as organic dust or mold spores.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is caused when the inhaled antigen triggers a hypersensitive immune response. Usually this happens after intense exposure or repeated exposure. The most common type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis is called “farmer’s lung” and is a reaction to the mold spores that grow often on hay.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, like other forms of pneumonitis, there is not a cure. However, if you remove the cause of the condition early enough the condition can reverse itself. Otherwise, there are treatments available to lessen the symptoms and prevent a worse condition from developing.
Causes of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
As mentioned, hypersensitivity pneumonitis is caused by inhaling dust, including mold spores. The exposure can be a single intense incident or a prolonged exposure over time. Mold is a microscopic fungus that grows on organic material. The mold that often causes hypersensitivity pneumonitis grows on things like hay or sugar cane or in humidifiers and heating systems.
Symptoms of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
The symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis are often flu-like. They can last for as little as 12 hours or for as long as 10 days. These symptoms can also come and go, which may lead someone suffering from hypersensitivity pneumonitis to believe that whatever was making them sick has gone away.
Symptoms include shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, fever, chills, fatigue, and a dry cough. For those suffering due to repeated exposure symptoms may include a chronic cough with phlegm, shortness of breath, weight loss, and little or no appetite.
If you experience these symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately. You should consult with a medical professional anytime you have shortness of breath. The sooner hypersensitivity pneumonitis is treated, the better the chances are that it could reverse itself and not turn into a long term, chronic problem.
Your doctor will be able to detect hypersensitivity pneumonitis and will be able to find the antigen that is making you sick through tests and by matching your symptoms. One sign that a patient may have hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a lung sound called Crackles. This is detected when listening to the lungs with a stethoscope. Other tests include blood tests, chest X-rays, CT scans, lung function tests, testing molds in the home, work place environment testing, and possibly even a lung biopsy.
Treating Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
The best treatment is to avoid the antigen that brought the condition on in the first place. Any mold you find in your home must be removed. Moldy objects need to be discarded, and the mold on walls or other such surfaces need to be cleaned with bleach and hot water. Always treat the walls with an antibacterial agent after being cleaned of mold.
It would be in your best interest to take precautions to avoid exposure as much as possible when cleaning away mold. Masks and gloves can help prevent exposure, and eyewear is also advisable if dealing with toxigenic mold or if you are particularly sensitive. You may want to consult with a professional if you find that you have a large quantity of mold grown in your home. You also should remove anything that is causing mold to grow inside your home. Soggy or damp things should be discarded, and things that cannot be thrown away should be dried out before mold can grow. Dehumidifiers can help to dry out damp areas. If you have a moisture problem due to persistent leaks, flooding, or drainage problems, seek a professional to get involved.
If you smoke, you should quit immediately. Smoking cigarettes can worsen the symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Additionally, smokers with hypersensitivity pneumonitis are more likely to develop lung diseases like chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer.
There is no cure for hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Removing the source usually lessons symptoms immediately; more treatment may be needed to provide relief in severe cases. Oxygen therapy, corticosteroids and antibiotics may be utilized.
Conclusion
There is no cure for hypersensitivity pneumonitis, but it is treatable, and it may even reverse itself if it is detected and treated immediately. Anytime you have breathing problems, do not ignore them; seek medical assistance immediately. Also, do not ignore mold or damp conditions in your home, as these can make you very sick, so you should seek to remedy this situation as soon as possible.
While hypersensitivity pneumonitis need not be a big deal, it can be if ignored. If untreated, irreversible damage and scarring to the lungs can develop, leading to pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis is a very serious condition that can lead to respiratory failure, heart failure, and death.
