Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (also called extrinsic allergic alveolitis, EAA) is an inflammation of the alveoli within the lung caused

by hypersensitivity to inhaled organic dusts, fungus, or molds.Sufferers are commonly exposed to the dust by their occupation or hobbies.

Symptoms
Symptoms of acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis may occur 4 - 6 hours after you have left the area where the foreign substance is found, making it difficult to find a connection between your activity and the disease. Symptoms may include:

Chills Cough Fever Malaise (feeling ill) Shortness of breath

Symptoms of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis may include:

Breathlessness, especially with activity Cough, often dry Loss of appetite Unintentional weight loss

Diagnostic Tests
Chest X-ray Hematology

Types
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) may also be called many different names, based on the provoking antigen. These include:

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Predisposing Factors: Sex Age Precipitating Factors :

Environment Lifestyle

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

Inhalation of Organic Dust, Fungus or Molds

Immune Complex Mediated ( Type III ) and Cell Mediated ( Type IV ) Hypersensitivity Reactions

Intensive Inflammation and Fibrosis

Acute Bronchiolar Necrosis, Eosiniphilic Infiltrate, Vasculitis, Interstitial Pneumonia

Chronic Extensive Interstitial Pneumonitis, Dense Infiltrate of Lymphocytes, Few Plasma cells in Alveolar Walls

Hyperplasia of Type II Pneumocytes

Mild, diffuse, alveolar damage

Bronchiolar Infiltrate and Bronchiolitis

Formed granulomas contains foreign giant cells

Interstitial inflammation recedes

Fibrosis is more apparent

Lung architecture is disturbed

Honeycombing occurs

Medical Management Corticosteroid drugs

( Prednisone, Decadron, Medrol )

Nursing Diagnosis Impaired gas exchange related to damage in alveoli and lung cells Ineffective tissue perfusion related to decreased cellular exchange Activity intolerance related to imbalance between oxygen supply and demand

Nursing Care Plan Impaired gas exchange related to damage in alveoli and lung cells Nursing Intervention Instruct client to avoid further exposure to allergen Wear mask to prevent inhalation of allergen Auscultate chest, noting presence, character of breath sounds Note rate and depth of respirations, type of breathing pattern. Assist with necessary testing to diagnose presence/ severity of lung disease Review chest x-rays as indicated for severity of acute or chronic conditions. Encourage proper breathing exercise