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Extrinsic allergic alveolitis
Author(s) -
ISMAIL Tengku,
MCSHARRY Charles,
BOYD Gavin
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
respirology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.857
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1440-1843
pISSN - 1323-7799
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2006.00839.x
Subject(s) - hypersensitivity pneumonitis , extrinsic allergic alveolitis , medicine , inhalation , immunology , disease , allergy , small airways , pathology , lung , asthma , anatomy
Extrinsic allergic alveolitis (also known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis) is caused by repeated inhalation of mainly organic antigens by sensitized subjects. This induces a hypersensitivity response in the distal bronchioles and alveoli and subjects may present clinically with a variety of symptoms. The aims of this review are to describe the current concepts of the immunological response, the diverse clinical presentation of this disease, the relevant investigations and management, and areas for future studies.