Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis Martha Burk MD, MS
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis
Martha Burk MD, MS
Definition“…a group of immunologically mediated lung
diseases in which the repeated inhalation of certain finely dispersed antigens of a wide variety, mainly including organic particles or low molecular weight chemicals, provokes a hypersensitivity reaction with granulomatous inflammation in the distal bronchioles and alveoli of susceptible subjects”
Bourke et al Eur Respir J 2001
Epidemiology First recognized in grain workers in 1713 Prevalence difficult to assess
Not caused by a single etiologic agent A complex syndrome varying in
Intensity Clinical presentation
Lack of agreement on diagnostic criteria
Causative Antigens The Simple List
Bacteria Fungi Animal proteins Insect proteins Amoebae Chemicals Medications Soybean hulls
Causative Agent Source DiseaseThermophilic actinomycetes Moldy hay, plant
materials, compostFarmer’s Lung
Aspergillus Animal bedding
Ubiquitous
Dog house disease
Aureobasidium sp Contaminated water Sauna-taker’s disease
Alternaria sp Wood, wood pulp Wood worker’s lung
Candida albicans Saxophone mouthpiece Sax lung
Mixed ameba, fungi, bacteria Cold mist and other humidifiers, air conditioners
Nylon plant Office worker’s Air conditioner’s lung
Ventilation pneumonitis
Bacteria, fungi Metal working fluids Machine operator’s lung
Isocyanates Paints, plastics Paint refinisher’s lung
Anhydrides Plastics Chemical worker’s lung
Plastic worker’s lung
Epoxy worker’s lung
Cobalt Hard metal lung disease
Berylliosis Berylliosis
Patel et al J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001
Worksite-related Agents Organic Antigens Antigen
Farmer’s lung Micropolyspora faeni Aspergillus species Streptomyces albus
Sacharopolyspora rectivirgula
Malt worker’s lung Aspergillus species
Wood worker’s lung Penicillium chrysogenum Alternaria species Merulius lacrymans Saccharomonospora viridis Cryptostroma corticale Aureobasidium pullulans Wood dust
Cheese worker’s lung Penicillium casei
Sugar cane worker’s lung (Bagassosis) Thermoactinomyces vulgaris
Detergent worker’s lung Bacillus subtilis
Cork worker’s lung Penicillium frequentens
Coffee worker’s lung Coffee bean dust
Cotton worker’s lung (Bysinnosis) Bract of cotton flower
Wheat worker’s lung Wheat weevil
Metal worker’s lung Rapid growing mycobacteria
www.lungcancerfrontiers.com
Inorganic Antigens Associated with HP Non-microbial
Paints, resins, plastics Diisocyanates
Insulation, polyurethane Trimellitic anhydride
Vineyard sprayer’s lung (fungicide) Copper sulfate
Pesticide/insecticide Pyrethrum
Home or Work-related Agents Organic Antigens Microbial
Humidifier lung Acanthamoebae castellani Acanthamoebae polyphagaNaegleria gruberi Thermoactinomyces candidus
Bird breeder’s lung (budgies, pigeons) Bird droppings
Rodent handler’s lung Urinary antigens, serum, pelts
Hot tub/spa lung Mycobacterium avium complex
Inorganic Antigens Associated with HP Non-microbial
Polyurethane foam insulation Diisocyanates
www.lungcancerfrontiers.com
How much antigen are we talking about?
Airborne Fungi In Industrial Environments
Study of six industrial facilities Poultry house Swinery Feed preparing and storing house at
swinery Grain Mill Wooden panel factory Organic waste recycling facility
Samples collected by multiple methods
Lugauskas et al Ann Agric Environ Med 2004
Grain Mill 49 species of 20 fungal genera isolated
Penicillium, Aspergillus, Mucor, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Rhizopus and others
Poultry House 31 species of 13 fungal genera
Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Trichophyton Swinery
33 species from 15 fungal genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Zygomycetes
Food processing and storing house 35 fungal species from 18 genera
Aspergillus, Zygomycetes, Staphylotrichum Wood panel factory
21 fungal species from 10 genera Paecilomyces, Rhizopus*
Organic waste recycling facility 40 fungal species from 21 genera
Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, GeotrichumRhizopus cause of ODTS among wood trimmers
Inciting antigens are ubiquitous!
So why doesn’t everyone exposed to these environments develop hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
Antigen Qualities Size
1-5 microns, usually <3 microns Inhaled into distal bronchial tree and alveoli
Induce an IgG response IgE sometimes formed as well
Many are capable of stimulating the complementary cascade Delayed cellular response
Environmental Factors Antigen concentration Duration of exposure Frequency/intermittency of exposure Particle size Antigen solubility Use of airway protection Variability in work practice
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: current concepts Eur Respir J 2001 18:81s-92s
Genetic Susceptibility Approximately 5-15% of exposed individuals develop
disease ~4% budgerigar’s fanciers ~8% pigeon breeders ~4% farmers
Males affected > females Familial forms of HP documented
No confirmed genetic factors May represent undetected common exposures
Ethnicity may matter Pigeon fancier’s disease worse in Mexican Americans
compared with Caucasian Americans Higher prevalence of HLA-DR7 in Mexican Americans
HLA-DPB1 associated with more severe disease in beryllium exposure
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: current concepts Eur Respir J 2001 18:81s-92s
Additional Factors Occurs more frequently in nonsmokers Onset may be triggered by
Non-specific lung inflammation Infections
Mycoplasma– Case studies of HP development after Mycoplasma
infection
Influenza A common in lower airways of patients presenting with acute HP
Inhibitory Effect of Nicotine Fewer inflammatory diseases in smokers
Sarcoidosis Ulcerative colitis Radiation pneumonitis
In vivo and in vitro experimental HP in rats Nicotine associated with dose-dependent decreases in
Macrophage, lymphocytes and neutrophils IFN gamma, TNF
Smokers develop fewer antibodies when exposed to antigens Yet, if they do develop HP
More insidious More chronic Worse prognosis
Blanchet et al Am J Resp Crit Care Med 2004
Occupational Respiratory Disease Surveillance
Table 8-1. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Number of deaths by sex, race, and age, and median age at death, U.S. residents age 15 and over, 1990-1999
YrNo. of Deaths
Under-lying Cause (%)
Sex Race Age Group (yrs)Median
Age (yrs)M F W B O
15-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
75-84
85+
1990 41 63.4 31 10 38 1 2 - 1 1 3 8 11 15 2 73.0
1991 36 72.2 28 8 34 - 2 2 - 1 2 4 11 11 5 73.5
1992 18 77.8 14 4 17 1 - - 1 2 2 2 3 7 1 72.5
1993 46 52.2 31 15 44 1 1 - 1 1 4 7 14 14 5 71.5
1994 36 75.0 28 8 36 - - - - - 2 5 8 12 9 76.5
1995 37 62.2 24 13 32 5 - - 1 - 6 4 7 14 5 75.0
1996 51 76.5 35 16 49 2 - - 3 3 5 7 11 16 6 73.0
1997 38 71.1 25 13 38 - - - - 1 2 6 8 14 7 76.0
1998 38 63.2 31 7 37 1 - - - - 2 3 10 17 6 78.5
1999 57 64.9 36 21 56 1 - - 3 2 9 5 11 19 8 74.0
TOTAL 398 67.1 283 115 381 12 5 2 10 11 37 51 94 139 54 74.0
CDC National Instititute for Occupational Safety and Health
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis:
Number of deaths, crude and age-adjusted mortality rates, U.S. residents age 15 and over, 1979-1999
CDC National Instititute for Occupational Safety and Health
Immunopathogenesis Acute phase
Inhaled Ag binds IgG Ab Macrophage activated and release IL-8, IL-6
Chemotactic for monocytes/macrophage Differentiation of CD4+ TH0 cells to TH1 cells Differentiation of B cells to plasma cells (IL-6) Maturation of CD8+ cells into cytotoxic cells
TH1 cells secrete TNF alpha -> fever Subacute phase
Macrophage develop into epithelioid cells and multinucleated giant cells
Lymphoid follicles with plasma cells develop in lesions Chronic phase
Macrophage express TGF beta Fibrosis Angiogenesis
Patel et al J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001
Ag Stimulates
Activates
Stimulates
Memory cells
Helper cells
Cytotoxic cells
Lymphokines
Ab formation
Lymphocyte
T cell
Chemokines
Opal and DePalo Chest 2000Gudmundsson et al J Immunology 1998Patel et J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001
Over-expressed In rat models of HP
IFN gamma key to granuloma formation in mouse models
Key Players In Fibrosis
Lymphocyte
MacrophageNeutrophils
Fibroblast
AlveolarEpithelial Cell
TGF-TNF-TGF-
Angiotensin II
Angiotensin II
IFN-
Fibroblast ProliferationExtracellular Matrix Formation
IL-1
TGF-
TNF
Clinical Features
Classification Systems
Classical Boyd Cormier Selman
Acute Acute progressive Active ActiveNonprogressive and intermittent
Subacute Acute intermittent nonprogressive
ActiveProgressive and intermittent
Chronic Nonacute Residual Chronic Progressive
Nonprogressive
J Allergy Clin Immunol
1989;89:839
Clin Allergy
1982;12(suppl):53
Clin Pulm Med
1996;3:72
Interstitial Lung DiseaseSchwarz, MI, King, TE Jr, (Eds) 4th Ed, Hamilton, BC Decker 2003
UpToDate
Acute Abrupt onset
Cough Dyspnea Chest tightness Fevers Chills Malaise Myalgias Anorexia Nausea/vomiting
Sx 4-8 hrs after high level exposure
Sx subside over hours -days complete recovery in 7-10
days Prognosis good
Clinical Diffuse rales Tachypnea Central cyanosis
Labs Leukocytosis Restrictive pattern on
PFTs Positive serum
precipitins
Radiographs 1-5mm bilateral
pulmonary nodules Bilateral consolidation Ground glass infiltrates
Kupeli, et al Postgrad Med 2003Non-neoplastic Disorders of the Lower Respiratory Tract 2002 American Registry of Pathology and the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
Acute HP
www.emedicine.com
London Southbank University@myweb.lsbu.ac.uk
Differential DiagnosisAcute stage
Acute tracheobronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia Acute endotoxin exposure Organic dust toxic syndrome Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Aspiration pneumonitis Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia Diffuse alveolar damage
Patel et al J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001
Subacute
More insidious onset Dyspnea Cough
Occurs after weeks to months of exposure
Prognosis good
Exam Diffuse rales Hypoxia
Labs Restrictive defect Hypoxemia
Radiographs Air trapping Micronodules
Kupeli, et al Postgrad Med 2003Non-neoplastic Disorders of the Lower Respiratory Tract 2002 American Registry of Pathology and the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
Differential DiagnosisSubacute stage
Recurrent pneumonia ABPA Granulomatous lung diseases Infection – mycobacteria, fungi Pneumoconiosis Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis Churg-Strauss syndrome Wegener’s granulomatosis Sarcoidosis
Patel et al J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001
Chronic Sx occur over 4-12
months Dyspnea Fatigue Cough
Prognosis is poor Inciting antigen
unlikely to be isolated
Labs Same as for prior stages
Pathology Fibrosis Patchy alveolar infiltrate
Mononuclear cells Bronchocentric pattern
Non-necrotizing granulomas
Bronchiolitis obliterans Organizing pneumonia
Radiographs Honeycombing
Kupeli, et al Postgrad Med 2003Non-neoplastic Disorders of the Lower Respiratory Tract 2002 American Registry of Pathology and the Armed Forces Institute of PathologyHayakawa et al Respirology 2002
Chronic HP
www.emedicine.comHayakawa et al Respirology 2002
Differential Diagnosis
Chronic stage Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with
pulmonary fibrosis Bronchiectasis/bronchiolectasis Mycobacterium avium complex
Patel et al J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001
Clinical Course Acute illness resolves in weeks if
recognized early and patient exposure to antigen is eliminated
Subacute or chronic illness More insidious symptoms Increased risk of emphysema, fibrosis,
asthma Avian sensitivity associated with poor
prognosis similar to interstitial lung disease 5 year mortality 50% Clubbing on exam portends a worse prognosis
Major History of symptoms compatible with HP
Appear or worsen within hours after antigen exposure Evidence of exposure to antigen
History, Environmental investigation, Serum Ab or BAL Ab
BAL lymphocytosis Histologic findings compatible with HP Compatible radiographic findings
Minor Basilar crackles Decreased diffusion capacity Decreased O2 saturation with rest or activity
Synopsis of Diseases of the Chest 3rd ed
Diagnostic Criteria
1. Known exposure to offending antigenA.History of appropriate exposureB. Environmental tests confirm Ag presenceC. Positive serum IgG to Ag
2. Compatible clinical, radiologic, physiologic findingsA. Respiratory (+/- constitutional) Si/SxB. Compatible CXR/CT findingsC. Altered PFTs, gas exchange
3. BAL with lymphocytosisA.Low CD4/CD8 B. Positive specific imm response to Ag
4. Positive inhalation challenge testA. Reexposure to environmentB. Lab exposure to suspected Ag
5. Compatible histopathologyA. Poorly formed, noncaseating granulomasB. Mononuclear infiltrate Atlas of Nontumor Pathology Travis, et al 2002
American Registry of Pathology and the
Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
Definite 1,2,31,2,4A1,2A,3,5
Probable 1,2A,3Subclinical 1,3ASensitization 1
Diagnostic Value to History/Exam Multicenter trial studying consecutive patients
presenting with a pulmonary syndrome for which HP was considered in the differential diagnosis
Objective: Identify diagnostic criteria and develop clinical prediction rule History of exposure to Ag Presence of precipitating Ab Recurrent episodes of Sx Inspiratory crackles on exam Sx occurring 4-8 hrs after exposure Weight loss
400 patients in derivation cohort 261 patients in validation cohort HRCT and BAL defined presence or absence of HP
Lacasse et al Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2003
Significant Predictors of HP
Variables OR CIExposure 38.8 11.6-129.6
Precipitating Abs present 5.3 2.7-10.4
Recurrent episodes 3.3 1.5-7.5
Inspiratory rales 4.5 1.8-11.7
Sx 4-8 hrs after exposure 7.2 1.8-28.6
Weight loss 2.0 1.0-3.9
Sensitivity 86% Specificity 86%Rules do not apply to subacute or chronic forms HP
Lacasse et al Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2003
Pulmonary Function Classically, a restrictive pattern
Decreased FEV1 and FVC Decreased total lung capacity Decreased diffusion capacity
Concomitant bronchiolitis may result in obstructive defect
Hypoxemia Bronchial hyperreactivity
Chest RadiographyCXR Acute
Fine micronodular pattern Diffuse ground-glass
opacity Normal
Chronic Interstitial fibrosis
CT Acute
Profuse centrilobular micronodules
Ground-glass opacities Evidence of air trapping
Chronic Honeycombing Poorly defined nodules Fibrosis Lobar volume loss
Imaging of Diseases of the Chest 3rd ed Armstrong et al Mosby London 2000
Ground Glass Opacities
www.emedicine.com
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Immediate (within 48 hours)
Neutrophils Days later
T lymphocyte predominant alveolitis CD8+ predominant CD4/CD8 usually < 1.0
20-70% lymphocytes Few disease processes > 50%
Increased mast cells, usually > 1% Problem
Lymphocytic response seen in asymptomatic patients with antigen exposure, and patients with organic dust toxic syndrome
Atlas of Nontumor Pathology Non-Neoplastic Disorders of the Lower Respiratory TractHypersensitivity pneumonitis: current concepts Eur Respir J 2001 18:81s-92s
Histopathology Cellular bronchiolitis Interstitial lymphocytic
infiltrate Usually bronchocentric
Scattered, small, poorly formed non-necrotizing granulomas
Large histiocytes with foamy cytoplasm
Fibrosis Indistinguishable from
other causes in advanced disease
Approximately 80% of subacute and chronic cases have this triad
Differential DiagnosisTable Modified from Atlas of Nontumor Pathology
Histologic feature
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Sarcoidosis LIP
Granulomas
Frequency 2/3 open biopsies 100% of cases 5-10% cases;
Well formed or poorly formed
Morphology
Distribution
Poorly formed
Mostly random, some peribronchiolar
Well formed
Lymphangitic, peribronchiolar, perivascular
Random
Intraluminal fibrosis
2/3 open biopsies Very rare Unusual
Lymphocyte infiltrates
Mild-moderate
Peribronchiolar
Absent or minimal Extensive, diffuse
Dense fibrosis Advanced cases Advanced cases Unusual
BAL lymphocytosis
CD8>CD4(CD4/CD8 < 1.0)
CD4>CD8(> 3.5 has a PPV 75%)
Usually B cells
Non-neoplastic Disorders of the Lower Respiratory Tract
Predictive Value of BAL Cell Differentials in the Diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
Retrospective evaluation 3,975 BALF samples from 3,118 pts Collected January 1997 – November 2003 Determine pre-test and post-test probabilities Relative frequencies of diagnoses based on
available information (prior to BAL) were used as pre-test probabilities
Post-test probabilities determined using Bayes’ rule based on cell differentials and the CD4/CD8 ratio
Eur Respir J 2004; 24: 1000-1006
Probability of ILD as a function of CD4/CD8 in suspected ILD
CD4/CD8
n Pre-test
<0.5 0.5-3.5 >3.5
Sarcoidosis 239 33.7 9.1
*
40.3 69.1
***
UIP 112 15.8 13.6 12.2 5.2
*
EAA 66 9.3 27.3
*
17.2
*
12.5
Post-test
Eur Respir J 2004; 24: 1000-1006
Likelihood of EAA rose 3x with a CD4/CD8 <0.5
p<0.05; *** p<0.001Versus the respective a priori value
Probability of ILD as a function of lymphocytes and CD4/CD8 in suspected ILD when the percentage of granulocytes was low (eosinophils <2% and neutrophils <4%)
Lymph % and CD4/CD8
n
Pre-test
Low High Low High Low High
Sarcoidosis 182 45.2 28.6
***
86.1
***
56.1 86.5
***
33.3 55.6
UIP 25 6.2 9.4 5.6 3.5 0.0 3.0 0.0
EAA 35 8.7 1.4
***
0.0 17.5
*
2.7 39.4
***
29.6
***
Post-test
<30 30-50 >50
•p<0.05; *** p<0.001•Low CD4/CD8 <3.5
Eur Respir J 2004; 24: 1000-1006
Likelihood of EAA rose nearly 4x independently of CD4/CD8 when lymphocytes were very high and granulocytes were low
Probability of ILD as a function of lymphocytes and CD4/CD8 in suspected ILD when the percentage of granulocytes was high (eosinophils >1% and neutrophils >3%)
Lymph % and CD4/CD8
n
Pre-test
Low High Low High Low High
Sarcoidosis 57 18.6 13.9 44.4*
23.1 50.0
*
21.4 0.0
UIP 87 28.3 34.2 22.2 11.5 6.3 0.0* 0.0
EAA 31 10.1 3.0* 5.6 34.6
***
37.5
***
50.0
***
50.0
Post-test
<30 30-50 >50
p<0.05; *** p<0.001Low CD4/CD8 <3.5
Eur Respir J 2004; 24: 1000-1006
Likelihood of EAA rose nearly 5x independently of CD4/CD8 when lymphocytes were very high and granulocytes were high
Who Gets HP?
Farmers
Farmers moving hay into a barn, [between 1895 and 1910]
Bartle BrothersGlass plate negative Reference Code: C 2-10232-1729 Archives of Ontario, I0002526
Thermophilic actinomycetes Hay, grain, compost, manure
Avian proteins Pigeon, duck, turkey, quail
Amoebae (Naegleria, Acanthamoeba) Contaminated air conditioning systems
Thermophilic actinomycetes Contaminated air conditioning systems
Bird Fanciers
www.ryancordell.com
Bird Fanciers Avian proteins Case study
67 yo 150+ pack-yr smoker Raised budgerigars 1980-88 Diagnosed as IPF 1988
1994 diagnosed with Bird Fancier’s Lung Lymphocytic alveolitis and organizing pneumonia by
TBBx Serum precipitins positive for bird antigens
Disease stable until 2000 Developed low grade fever and increased dyspnea Bronchocentric alveolitis on CT/chest Patient acquired feather duvet
Inase et al Internal Medicine 2004
www.ladygouldianfinch.com
Nursing Home Aviary
Factory Workers Metalworking fluid aerosols
Pseudomonas fluorescans Mycobacterium avium complex
Cheese mold Penicillium
Plastics and resins Anhydrides
Paint catalysts, adhesives, and foam Diisocyanates
Contaminated ventilation systems Naegleria, Acanthamoebae
www.groupnch.com
www.defra.gov.uk
Patients With H/O Medication Use
Amiodarone Gold Procarbazine Minocycline Chlorambucil Sulfasalazine Beta blockers HMG co-A Reductase inhibitors
Others Wood workers
Alternaria species Malt workers
Aspergillus Bathtub refinishers
and Paint refinishers Diisocyanates
Lab workers Rat urinary proteins
Domestic engineers Ventilation systems,
compost, chemicals, greenhouses
Office employees Ventilation systems
Anybody! Household mold Air conditioning Saunas, Hot tubs Birds Goose down
Diagnostic Approach Detailed history and physical exam
Patient may not associate symptoms with antigen exposure Symptoms may be delayed for hours Temporal relationship weaker with chronic forms
Positive precipitating antibodies Once thought to be hallmark Demonstrates immune response Lack sensitivity and specificity for HP Serve as markers for antigen exposure Poorly standardized antigens Improper quality controls
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay More sensitive, but less specific
Bronchoscopy Lung biopsy No single clinical or laboratory feature is diagnostic
Occupational History Current and previous occupations Description of job processes Chemical exposure Symptom improvement away from work? Similar symptoms in coworkers? Use of respiratory protection at work
Environmental History Pets (especially birds) Hobbies and recreational activities Presence of humidifiers, swamp coolers, indoor
vented dryers Use of hot tubs, saunas Visible fungal growth in household/workplace History of flooding or water damage to walls and
carpets History of recent renovation/remodeling Similar symptoms in home occupants Feather pillows, comforters, bedding, jackets Use of air fresheners, spray cleaners
www.brickleyenv.com
www.indoorairpro.com
Treatment Antigen avoidance
Responsible antigen may be difficult to isolate Multiple antigens may be involved Half-lives of animal dander, proteins measured in years Exposure may be unavoidable Disease may progress in spite of antigen avoidance
Corticosteroids 0.5 mg/kg/d for severe, acute episodes Subacute episodes may benefit from 1 mg/kg/day 2-4 weeks Improved short term effect No difference in long term effects (5 years)
Role of inhaled steroids and beta agonists unclear May provide symptomatic relief
UpToDateMonkare Eur J Respir Dis 1983Kokkarinen et al Am Rev Respir Dis 1992Patel et al J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001
Value of steroidsMonkare Eur J Respir Dis 1983
93 pts with Farmer’s lung studied prospectively No impact on lung function or work capacity Minor improvements in radiographic changes
Kokkarinen et al Am Rev Respir Dis 1992 36 pts in double blind, placebo control 20 received prednisolone x 8 wks 16 received placebo 1 month follow up
Steroids improved DLCO 5 year follow up
No statistical significance between groups Symptoms recurred
– 6 pts receiving steroids– 1 pt in placebo group
Summary of HP Antigen exposure is necessary but insufficient Important exposures occur at home
Pet birds, feathers, humidifiers, indoor molds and bacteria Challenging to diagnose
Nonspecific symptoms Variable clinical presentation Variable radiographic findings Lack of a “gold standard” diagnostic test
Immunopathogenesis remains unclear Can be improved with antigen avoidance, and
steroids in severe, acute cases Unrecognized/untreated it may lead to
development of asthma, emphysema or interstitial fibrosis