pulmonary disorders
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Prognosis for Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Pathologic changes of acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis are completely reversible if detected early and if antigen exposure is eliminated. Acute disease is self-limiting with antigen avoidance; symptoms usually lessen within hours. Chronic disease has a more complicated prognosis: fibrosis is usually irreversible but may not progress if the patient is no longer exposed to the antigen. 