When to panic about a panic attack: A challenging case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has created diagnostic difficulties with the increase in mental health illnesses that often present with nonspecific symptoms, like hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a complex syndrome of varying triggers, onset, severity, and clinical manifestations that can be challenging to diagnose in many cases. Typical symptoms are nonspecific and can be attributed to other entities. There are no pediatric guidelines, which contributes to diagnostic difficulties and delays in treatment. It is particularly important to avoid diagnostic biases, have an index of suspicion for hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and to develop pediatric guidelines as outcomes are excellent when diagnosed and treated promptly. This article discusses hypersensitivity pneumonitis with a focus on the causes, pathogenesis, diagnostic approach, outcomes, and prognosis while using a case to illustrate the diagnostic difficulties worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.