What is Extrinsic allergic alveolitis?

a condition caused by hypersensitivity induced lung damage due to a variety of inhaled organic particles

What is the acute (occurs 4-8 hrs after exposure) presentation of Extrinsic allergic alveolitis?

• dyspnoea
• dry cough
• fever

What is the chronic (occurs weeks-months after exposure) presentation of Extrinsic allergic alveolitis?

• lethargy
• dyspnoea
• productive cough
• anorexia and weight loss

What is the management of Extrinsic allergic alveolitis?

• avoid precipitating factors
• oral glucocorticoids

What is the pathophysiology of Extrinsic allergic alveolitis?

largely caused by immune-complex mediated tissue damage (type III hypersensitivity) although delayed hypersensitivity (type IV) is also thought to play a role, especially in the chronic phase

What is seen on CXR/CT Thorax in Extrinsic allergic alveolitis?

upper/mid-zone fibrosis

bird fanciers' lung, farmers lung, malt workers' lung and mushroom workers' lung are all examples of what condition?

Extrinsic allergic alveolitis