HYPERSENSITIVITY PNEUMONITIS DUE TO HUMIDIFIER DISEASE - SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND

Study Objectives: This study reports a classic case of hypersensitivit y pneumonitis (HP) with classic histologic changes in lung tissue and the research used to identify the causative antigens. Design: A patien t with clinical, radiographic, pulmonary function abnormalities and a lung biopsy consistent with HP had no identifiable antigen exposure. S etting: Evaluation of the patient's activities provided no suggestion of antigen exposure. Her home was evaluated. It was found that her hum idifier ran continually without being cleaned but water was added peri odically. Measurements: Serologic analysis demonstrated precipitating antibodies against her humidifier water and ten antigens in the hypers ensitivity lung disease serologic panel. Conclusion: Removal of the hu midifier, cleaning of the house, and a course of prednisone resulted i n the return of the patient to a normal state.