title: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis and related conditions in the work environment.
abstract: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis can occur from a wide variety of occupational exposures. Although uncommon and difficult to recognize, through a detailed work exposure history, physical examination, radiography, pulmonary function studies, and selected laboratory studies using sera and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, workers can be identified early to effect avoidance of the antigen and institute pharmacologic therapy, if necessary. A lung biopsy may be necessary to rule out other interstitial lung diseases. Despite the varied organic antigen triggers, the presentation is similar with acute, subacute, or chronic forms. Systemic corticosteroids are the only reliable pharmacologic treatment but do not alter the long-term outcome.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 9000 West Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 411, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA. mzachari@mcw.edu
authors: Michael C
authors: MC
authors: Zacharisen
authors: Jordan N
authors: JN
authors: Fink
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000336:Aerosols / Q000009:adverse effects; D000383:Agriculture; D000542:Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D001607:Berylliosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D001706:Biopsy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004391:Dust; D019649:Food Industry; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007221:Industry; D008168:Lung / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D016676:Macrophages, Alveolar / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011009:Pneumoconiosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012829:Silicosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D017132:Workplace
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000336:Aerosols; D004391:Dust; D007136:Immunoglobulins