Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Correlation of cellular and immunologic changes with clinical phases of disease

H. Y. Reynolds

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Many airborne organic antigens in the form of fungal spores and thermophilic bacteria or dander and aerolized proteins can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis after repeated inhalational exposure. Although a syndrome of acute illness often occurs, many people who are exposed and become sensitized can remain asymptomatic. However, immunologic evidence from an analysis of cells and antibodies obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage from asymptomatic subjects may indicate an ongoing alveolitis. With chronic illness, which has many characteristics of an interstitial fibrotic pneumonitis, a lymphocytic alveolitis and granulomatous reaction develop in the lungs. This review emphasizes the immunological changes in the lungs that occur at different phases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis and contribute to current concepts about pathogenetic mechanisms.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)S109-S128
JournalLung
Volume169
Issue numberSUPPL.
StatePublished - Jan 1 1991

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

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