Apr 07 2024 14 mins
A general overview of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) based on the example from a comment received. We discuss the types of HP: acute, subacute and chronic, pulmonary fibrosis in hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
You can also watch this on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/jlKR6oiAKNs
It is also important to identify the triggers (antigen) for HP and this can be difficult. Sometimes exposure questionnaires may help, and we have blood tests to look for sensitization to birds (pigeon, budgie) or farmer's lung triggers.
Breathlessness in HP is not always due to the pulmonary fibrosis alone so we need to look for other causes as well. Treatment for hypersensitivity pneumonitis aims to first remove the trigger (if identified and possible), followed by anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant medication if indicated, or antifibrotic ("anti-scarring") treatment to slow down the worsening in the fibrosis if the disease is progressive.
A very complex disease indeed! #hypersensitivity #pneumonitis #ild