Premium
Acute toxic pneumonitis complicating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a farmer
Author(s) -
Sigurdarson Sigurdur T.,
Donham Kelley J.,
Kline Joel N.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.20067
Subject(s) - medicine , hypersensitivity pneumonitis , exacerbation , pneumonitis , chest radiograph , copd , limiting , intensive care medicine , antibiotics , lung , mechanical engineering , microbiology and biotechnology , engineering , biology
Background Toxic pneumonitis or Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS) is a common, usually self‐limiting condition among agricultural workers, occurring after high level exposure to agricultural dust. Case Report We describe the case of a 68‐year‐old smoker and farmer who became ill with dyspnea, flu‐like symptoms, and hypoxia after cleaning out a grain bin. Results Chest radiograph was normal. He was treated with steroids, antibiotics, and oxygen supplementation and recovered over 3 months, but continues with lingering exercise intolerance after 2 years. Discussion Although toxic pneumonitis usually follows a relatively benign course with spontaneous recovery and no permanent sequale it can lead to the exacerbation of underlying lung conditions, resulting in incomplete or delayed recovery. Prevention is aimed at limiting exposure by avoidance, by increasing ventilation in closed spaces and by appropriate use of personal protective equipment. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:393–395, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.