Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Studying the Effects of Inhaled Environmental Pollutants on Olfactory Function in Mice
Published on: September 13, 2024
[A case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by zinc fume]
Hiroo Miyazaki1, Takeo Hirata, Shoko Shimane
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shizuoka City Hospital.
Abstract:
A 55-year-old man with a 3-year occupational history of welding was admitted for repeated episodes of fever, cough and dyspnea after inhalation of smoke while welding galvanized steel. A computed tomography (CT) showed diffuse centrilobular nodules, panlobular ground-glass opacity and interlobular septal thickening in both lung fields, and he suffered from hypoxemia (PaO2 = 55.3Torr) while breathing room air. Percentage of lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid increased, and lung biopsy specimens at thoracoscopy revealed lymphocytic alveolitis and organization in air spaces. His symptoms and signs disappeared spontaneously only when he ceased welding. Panlobular ground-glass opacity and interlobular septal thickening improved immediately with oral corticosteroids. Patch tests using metal series gave positive reactions to zinc. We diagnosed this case as hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by zinc fumes.
Related Concept Videos
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia I: Introduction
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...
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Atypical Pneumonia