[Occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis].
BACKGROUND
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a granulomatous disease of the lungs due to immune reactions following chronic inhalation of organic dusts or chemicals especially encountered in the occupational environment. The main purpose of this review is to report current concepts regarding aetiologies, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment as well as legal aspects of HP.


BACKGROUND
The following aspects will be focused: (1) increase in new etiological circumstances, especially occupational and news antigens, (2) for diagnosis, the major contribution of chest high resolution CT scan which often shows characteristic images but also recent developments in simple diagnostic criteria that may be used for an epidemiological approach, (3) importance of bronchial obstruction and even emphysema as a long term sequelae, finally (4) the possibility of continuing occupational activities in certain circumstances where preventive measures can be used.


CONCLUSIONS
The increasing knowledge of etiological agents and circumstances as well as the development of secondary and especially primary preventive measures should lead to reduce the frequency of this disease and of its medico-social consequences.
Thaon
I
I
Service des Maladies Professionnelles, CHU de Besançon, France.
Reboux
G
G
Moulonguet
S
S
Dalphin
J C
JC
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000542:Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015995:Prevalence; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones