Pitfalls in diagnosis and management of hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a complex syndrome characterized by a combination of inflammation and fibrosis located in both the airways and the lung parenchyma. Both diagnosis and treatment are a real challenge for physicians. This review will focus on recent developments in this emerging field; furthermore, we will emphasize major gaps in the current knowledge, to stimulate further research in this field.

The main diagnostic issue is not to miss the entity as the clinical presentation is extremely variable even as the nature of the causal antigen. This article provides an overview of current ways to uncover possible causes of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. A problem of another kind is treatment of this disorder. Crucial in treatment is antigen avoidance, often in combination with immunosuppressive agents. The treatment of acute forms is rather straightforward, but the biggest endeavour, however, is treatment of chronic forms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which not always respond to immunosuppressive agents. Therefore, new initiatives should be taken in order to help clinicians in making a proper diagnosis and develop more efficacious treatment especially for patients suffering from chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Diagnosis and treatment of hypersensitivity pneumonitis remain a real challenge; this article provides an overview of our current understanding and points out new opportunities for further research.