Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (farmer's lung, bird fancier's lung)

Overview

Repeated breathing of mold, bird proteins, or hot tub mist triggers lung inflammation.

Removing the exposure is the most important treatment.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Cough and shortness of breath

Less common

• Fever after exposure

Look up a symptom: Cough · Fever · Getting winded easily with activity or stairs

When to get medical care

Causes

Immune reaction.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Bird owners
• Farmers

Possible complications

• Pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring): If exposure continues

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• CT:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Remove the trigger

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Use masks in moldy barns
• Keep birds out of bedrooms

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a pulmonologist (lung doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Lung Association: Lung HelpLine 1-800-586-4872 and Better Breathers support groups.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Bird owners and farmers: Higher risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Early cases improve once exposure stops.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (farmer's lung, bird fancier's lung)