air conditioner lung
air conditioner lung
A type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (extrinsic allergic alveolitis) seen in those who work with air conditioning and climate control systems and are exposed to Aspergillus spp and thermophilic actinomycetes. Some authors regard it as a type of “sick building syndrome”.Clinical findings Fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, typically occurring 4-8 hours after re-exposure to the causative “bugs”, which may be accompanied by loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting.
Prognosis Prolonged and repeated exposure may lead to pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease.