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Paediatric feather duvet hypersensitivity pneumonitis
1Department of Education, University of Leeds, UK.
BMJ Case Reports
|June 27, 2015
Summary
A 12-year-old boy experienced recurrent respiratory illness due to hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Diagnosis was confirmed by lung biopsy and elevated avian precipitants after exposure to feather duvets.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
- Environmental Medicine
Background:
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an immune-mediated lung disease.
- Recurrent exposure to specific environmental antigens can trigger HP.
- Early diagnosis and antigen avoidance are crucial for patient recovery.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old boy presented with recurrent dyspnea, cough, anorexia, weight loss, and chest pain.
- Pulmonary function tests revealed significantly impaired lung function (FEV1 26%) and exercise intolerance.
- CT scans showed ground-glass nodularity and lymphadenopathy; lung biopsy confirmed HP.
Findings:
- Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was negative for common pathogens.
- History revealed exposure to feather duvets preceding each episode.
- Elevated IgG avian precipitants (10.6 mgA/L) confirmed avian antigen sensitivity.
Implications:
- Feather duvet exposure can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis in children.
- Prompt diagnosis through biopsy and serology is vital.
- Complete antigen avoidance leads to significant clinical improvement.
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