The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
- A diffuse inflammatory disease of the lung caused by an exaggerated immune response to repeated inhalation of airborne environmental antigens.
- A wide variety of antigens can cause disease.
- Spectrum of symptoms with controversial classification, but typically divided into:
- Acute:
- Fever, chills, diaphoresis, myalgias, nausea; cough and dyspnea common but not necessary.
- Occurs 2–9 hours after exposure
- Lasts hours to days
- Subacute:
- More severe respiratory symptoms (cough, dyspnea, cyanosis)
- Develops over days to weeks
- Chronic:
- Progressively worsening cough and exertional dyspnea. Also present with fatigue and weight loss.
- Occurs over several months, can lead to respiratory failure
- System(s) affected: Pulmonary
- Synonym(s): Extrinsic allergic alveolitis; Farmer’s lung
Epidemiology
- Predominant age: Tends to occur in adults as ...
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