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[Hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by a home humidifier]
S Hagiwara1, Y Ishii, Y Sugiyama
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Jichi Medical School, Tochigi, Japan.
Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi
|September 1, 1995
Summary
A patient developed hypersensitivity pneumonitis, or "humidifier lung," from microorganisms in an ultrasonic humidifier. Lab tests identified Flavobacterium multivorum, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, and Aureobacterium liquefaciens as potential causative agents.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Environmental Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an immune-mediated lung disease.
- Exposure to contaminated environmental sources, such as humidifiers, can trigger HP.
- Ultrasonic humidifiers may harbor microorganisms capable of causing respiratory illness.