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Humidifier-associated extrinsic allergic alveolitis
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
|March 1, 1979
Summary
Indoor humidifiers can cause allergic alveolitis. Identifying and removing contaminated sources, like Thermoactinomyces vulgaris or Aspergillus fumigatus, resolved symptoms and improved lung function in patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Allergic alveolitis, a form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, can be triggered by inhaled antigens.
- Indoor environments, particularly those with humidification systems, can harbor microorganisms capable of causing respiratory illness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report three cases of allergic alveolitis linked to indoor humidification systems.
- To identify the causative agents and demonstrate the efficacy of environmental remediation.
Main Methods:
- Clinical case reporting and patient history.
- Serological testing for precipitins (Thermoactinomyces vulgaris, Aspergillus fumigatus).
- Environmental sampling and microbial analysis of humidifiers.
Main Results:
- Case 1: A patient developed allergic alveolitis associated with a home cool-mist humidifier contaminated with Thermoactinomyces vulgaris; symptoms resolved after humidifier removal.
- Case 2: A patient in a printing office experienced symptoms linked to a humidifier contaminated with amoebas (Amoeba proteus).
- Case 3: A printer exhibited occupational allergic alveolitis with Aspergillus fumigatus identified in serum and workplace air.
Conclusions:
- Indoor humidification systems can be significant sources of allergens leading to allergic alveolitis.
- Prompt identification and elimination of contaminated sources are crucial for patient recovery and improved pulmonary function.