Extrinsic allergic pneumonitis - classification, pathogenesis, diagnosis

Abstract

Introduction and objective: Extrinsic allergic pneumonitis (AZPP) is an inflammatory disease of the lung parenchyma and bronchioles, caused by inhalation of organic and inorganic antigens. The pathhomechanism of the disease is based on the binding of the antigen with precipitins to form immune complexes that are responsible for the formation of acute inflammation in the lung tissue. The resulting inflammation is a type III and type IV hypersensitivity reaction. In the clinical course, azpp is divided into acute, subacute and chronic phases. The course of the disease varies depending on the type and duration of exposure to the antigen. It is most often manifested by shortness of breath, coughing and the progression of the disease leads to respiratory failure.

Review methods: While writing the thesis, a database was used, ie Pubmed and Google Scholar.

Brief description of the stage of knowledge: Extrinsic allergic pneumonitis requires a thorough differential diagnosis, which includes laboratory tests, functional tests, imaging tests, inhalation provocation tests and lung biopsy. The mainstay of treatment is to avoid exposure to the antigen. In severe disease, systemic corticosteroid therapy is indicated.

Summary: Correct diagnosis is a big problem because of the differences in symptoms and the severity of the disease among patients. Expanding the knowledge about the clinical course of the disease or its pathogenesis will affect the effectiveness of diagnostics and help to develop new methods of treatment.