Condition- Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis Flashcards
What is Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis?
Non-IgE inflammatory disease of the alveoli and small airways caused by inhalation of non-human protein aka. hypersensitivity pneumonitis
List some examples of Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis
- Farmer’s Lung - caused by mouldy hay containing thermophilic actinomycetes
- Pigeon Fancier’s Lung - caused by blood on bird feathers and excreta
- Maltworker’s Lung - caused by barley or maltlings containing Aspergillus clavatus
- Bagassosis or sugar worker’s lung (Thermoactinomyces sacchari)
What sort of lung disease is EAA?
- Restrictive Interstitial Lung disease
List some occupations who are at risk of EAA…
- farmers
- carpenters
- bird owners
- tobacco growers
- industrial workers
- machine operators
- sauna/ hot tub users
List some possible antigens which could mount an inflammatory response causing EAA…
- Fungal (mouldy hay)
- Bacterial
- Bird-derived
- Chemicals
- Wood, coffee, mould etc.
List some of the acute symptoms of EAA and what is the timeframe for the onset of these symptoms
- Dry cough
- Dyspnoea
- Malaise
- Fever and chills
- Myalgia
REVERSIBLE on avoidance of trigger
List some of the symtpoms of EAA on chronic exposure to the antigen
- Progressive dyspnoea, productive cough, fatigue
- Weight loss
- Clubbing
What sort of lung sounds might be heard on auscultation of someone with EAA?
Bibasalar (acute) or Diffuse (chronic) rale= inspiratory crackles
What would you see on a CT scan of someone with EAA?
Ground glass shadowing
