ABSTRACT
Farmer's lung disease(FLD) is a common form of occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis(HP)(also termed “greenhouse lung”). FLD often occurs in greenhouse farmers due to the long-term exposure to high temperatures, humidity, poor air ventilation and high intensity of microorganism in soils in the closed environment of greenhouses. Greenhouse lung has a high disability rate and poor prognosis if not diagnosed or treated in time, which is a heavy burden to the society. Therefore, it is imperative to pay attention to early identification and epidemiological monitoring, and to evaluate the disease burden, which is of great significance to formulating public health measures to prevent the disease.
ABSTRACT
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis(HP) is an interstitial lung disease(ILD) that is characterized by a complex immunological response within the lung parenchyma to inhalation of an antigen that the individual is sensitized toward. Diagnosis of HP can be challenging and requires the consideration of a detailed history(emphasizing potential antigen exposures), high resolution computed tomography(HRCT) findings, and laboratory and pathological examination. Despite increasing recognition, there is a lack of consensus regarding the definition and diagnostic criteria for HP. This article summarizes the recent developments in diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.