HYPERSENSITIVITY PNEUMONITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), also known as extrinsic allergic alveolitis, is a type of lung disease characterized by inflammation of the lung tissue caused by an immune response to breathing in certain airborne substances. These substances, called antigens or allergens, typically include organic materials such as mold spores, bird droppings, bacteria, fungi, or chemicals present in the workplace or home environment.
HP is a hypersensitivity reaction triggered by repeated exposure to these antigens, which leads to the immune system mistakenly identifying them as harmful. As a result, the body launches an immune response, releasing inflammatory chemicals that cause inflammation and damage within the air sacs and bronchioles of the lungs.
Symptoms of HP may vary depending on the severity of the disease and individual sensitivity but commonly include fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, fever, and chills. If left untreated or with continued exposure to the antigen, HP can progress to chronic and irreversible lung damage, leading to respiratory failure and a reduced quality of life.
Diagnosis of HP typically involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and assessment of symptoms. Further tests like pulmonary function tests, chest X-rays, and tests to detect antibodies may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of HP primarily involves avoiding or minimizing exposure to the specific antigens causing the immune response. In severe cases, medications like corticosteroids may be prescribed to control inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
Common Misspellings for HYPERSENSITIVITY PNEUMONITIS
- gypersensitivity pneumonitis
- bypersensitivity pneumonitis
- nypersensitivity pneumonitis
- jypersensitivity pneumonitis
- uypersensitivity pneumonitis
- yypersensitivity pneumonitis
- htpersensitivity pneumonitis
- hgpersensitivity pneumonitis
- hhpersensitivity pneumonitis
- hupersensitivity pneumonitis
- h7persensitivity pneumonitis
- h6persensitivity pneumonitis
- hyoersensitivity pneumonitis
- hylersensitivity pneumonitis
- hy-ersensitivity pneumonitis
- hy0ersensitivity pneumonitis
- hypwrsensitivity pneumonitis
- hypsrsensitivity pneumonitis
- hypdrsensitivity pneumonitis
- hyprrsensitivity pneumonitis
Etymology of HYPERSENSITIVITY PNEUMONITIS
The word "hypersensitivity" originates from the Greek prefix "hyper-" meaning excessive or beyond normal, and "sensitivity" referring to the body's response to a particular substance or stimuli.
"Pneumonitis" comes from the Greek term "pneumon" meaning "lung" and the suffix "-itis" which generally indicates inflammation.
Therefore, the term "Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis" combines these two elements: "hypersensitivity" denotes an exaggerated immune response, while "pneumonitis" refers to the inflammation of the lungs.
