Farmer's lung

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Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
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Farmer's lung
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Synonyms Extrinsic allergic alveolitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Pronounce N/A
Specialty Pulmonology
Symptoms Cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills
Complications N/A
Onset Hours to days after exposure
Duration Can be chronic with repeated exposure
Types N/A
Causes Inhalation of mold spores from hay, straw, or grain
Risks Farming, agriculture
Diagnosis Clinical history, chest X-ray, pulmonary function test
Differential diagnosis Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Prevention Use of protective masks, proper ventilation
Treatment Avoidance of exposure, corticosteroids
Medication N/A
Prognosis Variable, can lead to chronic lung disease if untreated
Frequency More common in temperate climates
Deaths N/A


Farmer's lung is a noninfectious allergic disease that is caused by inhaling dust from moldy hay, straw, and grain. This condition is also known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Farmer's lung is caused by an allergic reaction to the dust from moldy hay, straw, and grain. This dust can contain a variety of molds and fungi, including Aspergillus, Thermoactinomyces, and Saccharopolyspora. The allergic reaction causes inflammation in the lungs, which can lead to permanent lung damage if not treated.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of Farmer's lung can vary in severity and may include:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of Farmer's lung is often based on the patient's history of exposure to moldy hay, straw, or grain. Tests that may be used to confirm the diagnosis include:

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for Farmer's lung primarily involves avoiding further exposure to the dust from moldy hay, straw, or grain. Medications such as corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation in the lungs. In severe cases, oxygen therapy or a lung transplant may be necessary.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention of Farmer's lung involves reducing exposure to the dust from moldy hay, straw, or grain. This can be achieved by using proper ventilation, wearing a mask, and keeping hay, straw, and grain dry to prevent mold growth.

See also[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD