Question - What is hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and in which group of patients is it noted that a lower rate of HP occurs?
Answer - The cited article notes “Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a complex syndrome of diffuse parenchymal lung disease caused by inhalation of and sensitization to an ever-expanding list of aerosolized antigens. Notably, environmental exposures, including metal dusts, wood dust, avian antigens, and vegetable and animal dusts are also associated with an increased risk of developing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Lower rates of HP occur in smokers as compared with matched nonsmokers.” (Magee AL et al. Imaging of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. 2016 Radiol Clin N Am 54:1033-1046)
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