Mujer con pulmón del cuidador de aves

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis or extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) originates from a hypersensitivity reaction to inhaled antigens on a lung with individual susceptibility. In the case of bird breeder's lung, they are particles that are generally found on the epithelium, dust that covers the feathers or stools of the birds.

In the physical examination, the inspiratory crackling rales heard on pulmonary auscultations stand out and the findings on the chest X-ray may vary greatly. The CT scan shows us different patterns based on the disease phase in question. Regarding the pulmonary function tests, most of the patients have a restrictive pattern.

Early diagnosis is crucial in the disease course since progression may lead to pulmonary fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The most important is to eliminate exposition to the antigens, with which many patients recover.