title: Ornithopulmonary disease.
abstract: Severe pulmonary infections in man may be caused by exposure to infected birds or their droppings. Ornithosis, histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis develop as a result of inhalation of an infective agent. Pigeon-breeder's lung is an allergic alveolitis caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to avian droppings or feathers. This condition is recurrent and is best treated by avoidance of further exposure. Corticosteroids are useful in acute cases.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001716:Bird Fancier's Lung / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D001717:Birds; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006660:Histoplasmosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D009956:Psittacosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D014379:Tuberculosis, Avian / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology