Extrinsic allergic alveolitis: A not-very-well known condition in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) is a non-infectious granulomatous lung disease which results from the repeated inhalation of antigenic particles. These particles penetrate the distal airways and reach the alveoli where they provoke principally type III hypersensitivity reactions, and to a smaller extent type IV hypersensitivity reactions in the outer alveolar wall. This review highlights some critical aspects of the disease.
Aim: To evaluate critical issues about extrinsic allergic alveolitis.
Methods: Databases such as Medline, Elsevier, Emedicine and Pubmed were searched for relevant literature which included epidemiological data, clinical studies and case studies. The key areas discussed were the probable forms of the disease, pathology, pathogenesis and diagnosis.
Results: EAA is often characterized by early lymphocyte alveolitis which may progress to pulmonary fibrosis. Sensitized individuals could have the acute, sub-acute or the chronic forms of the disease. The symptoms exhibited by the disease resemble those of other infectious respiratory disorders. Hence, it is often unrecognized and thus is misdiagnosed as respiratory infections.
Conclusion: EAA may not be well- known in Nigeria. It is the responsibility of the medical community to evaluate the consequences and enlighten the Nigerian public about the disease.


Keywords: Extrinsic allergic alveolitis, Antigenic, Hypersensitivity, Respiratory, Infectious, Fibrosis

Port Harcourt Medical Journal Vol. 3 (1) 2008: pp. 3-9