[Occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis]

Rev Mal Respir. 2006 Dec;23(6):705-25. doi: 10.1016/s0761-8425(06)72084-8.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: 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.

State of the art: 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.

Perspectives: 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.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / diagnosis
  • Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / drug therapy
  • Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / epidemiology
  • Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / etiology*
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • France / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis
  • Occupational Diseases / drug therapy
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology*
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Prevalence
  • Respiratory Function Tests / methods
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones