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Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

H Khalfey

Abstract


Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) refers to the inflammatory lung condition that arises from inhalational exposure to various (mostly organic) antigens with the development of lymphocytic alveolitis and granulomatous pneumonitis. A myriad of antigens have been implicated and the list continues to grow. The clinical features are varied, implicated antigens protean, and the investigations complementary in making a diagnosis, but the condition remains a difficult one to diagnose, mostly due to a lack of clinical suspicion. In this article we discuss HP, its aetiology, clinical features as well as diagnosis and management.


Author's affiliations

H Khalfey, Pulmonologist, Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Pinelands, Cape Town

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African Journal of Thoracic and Critical Care Medicine 2015;21(3):59-69. DOI:10.7196/SARJ.2015.v21i3.29

Article History

Date submitted: 2015-10-16
Date published: 2015-10-21

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African Journal of Thoracic and Critical Care Medicine| Online ISSN: 2617-0205

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