Pneumonite de hipersensibilidade em criadores de aves e suas abordagens para diagnóstico, tratamento e prevenção

Abstract

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an inflammation known as extrinsic allergic alveolitis, which can progress to pulmonary fibrosis (PF) as a result of an immune reaction to inhalation of antigens such as fungi, mold, and animal proteins, often found in birds. HP can be classified into three forms: acute, with symptoms appearing a few hours after exposure; subacute, when symptoms arise after weeks; and chronic, which can progress to PF with continuous exposure. This study aims to raise awareness about the risks of keeping birds in enclosed environments. To this end, articles from the SciELO and PubMed databases were reviewed, focusing on the most relevant ones. Studies indicate that HP is responsible for 80% of PF cases in Brazil, affecting between 3% and 13% of patients with interstitial lung diseases, with an estimated ten thousand Brazilians suffering from the disease, with bird exposure being one of the main causes. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain, which can worsen over time and limit daily activities. However, not everyone who keeps birds develops the disease, as it depends on an abnormal immune reaction. Environmental control and avoidance of the antigen are considered fundamental for treatment, along with corticosteroids in the acute phase and antifibrotics; even oxygen therapy may be necessary in the chronic phase, with lung transplantation indicated in severe cases. It is concluded that although HP has a silent onset, its development can be serious, emphasizing the need for preventive measures to avoid disease progression.