Diagnosis and management of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in adults: A position statement from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand

Respirology. 2024 Dec;29(12):1023-1046. doi: 10.1111/resp.14847. Epub 2024 Oct 28.

Abstract

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an immune-mediated interstitial lung disease (ILD) relating to specific occupational, environmental or medication exposures. Disease behaviour is influenced by the nature of exposure and the host response, with varying degrees of lung inflammation and fibrosis seen within individuals. The differentiation of HP from other ILDs is important due to distinct causes, pathophysiology, prognosis and management implications. This Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) position statement aims to provide an up-to-date summary of the evidence for clinicians relating to the diagnosis and management of HP in adults, in the Australian and New Zealand context. This document highlights recent relevant findings and gaps in the literature for which further research is required.

Keywords: clinical respiratory medicine; environmental and occupational health and epidemiology; hypersensitivity pneumonitis; inflammation; interstitial lung disease; pulmonary fibrosis.

Publication types

  • Consensus Development Conference

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic* / diagnosis
  • Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic* / physiopathology
  • Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic* / therapy
  • Australia
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • New Zealand
  • Prognosis
  • Societies, Medical* / standards