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Extrinsic allergic bronchiolo-alveolitis in children
Clinical Allergy
|November 1, 1980
Summary
Children heavily exposed to pigeon droppings can develop extrinsic allergic alveolitis, showing symptoms like cough and breathlessness. Immune responses and chest X-rays confirmed this condition in the affected children.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Pigeon droppings contain antigens that can trigger hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
- Children exposed to environmental antigens may develop respiratory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the development of extrinsic allergic alveolitis in children with heavy exposure to pigeon droppings.
- To correlate clinical symptoms with immunological and radiological findings.
Main Methods:
- Skin testing (immediate, Arthus, delayed) for hypersensitivity.
- Precipitin tests for antibodies against avian droppings.
- Lymphocyte transformation tests.
- Chest radiography for pulmonary infiltrates.
Main Results:
- Symptomatic children showed high rates of positive skin tests, precipitins, and lymphocyte transformation.
- Radiological findings were consistent with extrinsic allergic alveolitis.
- Control groups (exposed but asymptomatic, and non-exposed) had significantly fewer positive immunological markers.
Conclusions:
- Heavy exposure to avian antigens in pigeon droppings can lead to extrinsic allergic bronchiolo-alveolitis in children.
- Immunological tests and imaging are valuable in diagnosing this condition.
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