Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026
12:04
Assessment of the Cytotoxic and Immunomodulatory Effects of Substances in Human Precision-cut Lung Slices
Published on: May 9, 2018
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis from ordinary residential exposures
M J Apostolakos1, H Rossmoore, W S Beckett
1Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642, USA. Michael_Apostolakos@urmc.rochester.edu
Environmental Health Perspectives
|October 24, 2001
Summary
A severe case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis was linked to domestic fungal exposures in a suburban home. Moving residences was the only successful treatment, suggesting home fungi can cause this lung condition.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an immune-related lung disease.
- HP is often linked to occupational or hobby-related exposures.
Observation:
- A previously healthy woman required long-term corticosteroids for severe HP.
- Fungal exposures were identified in her suburban home, with specific antibodies detected.
- Home mold remediation failed to improve her condition.
Findings:
- Complete symptom resolution and corticosteroid withdrawal occurred only after moving to a new residence.
- This case highlights the potential for domestic fungal exposures to cause severe HP.
Implications:
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis can arise solely from domestic environmental exposures.
- This finding is relevant for diagnosing and managing HP in non-occupational settings.
- Further research into domestic triggers for HP in North America is warranted.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction or allergic reaction, is a condition where the body's immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Such substances, that cause hypersensitivity are referred to as an allergen, could be something typically harmless to most people, like pollen or certain foods.
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:14Atypical Pneumonia
Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
01:29Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...