How is hypersensitivity pneumonitis diagnosed?

How is hypersensitivity pneumonitis diagnosed?

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is diagnosed most importantly on the basis of a history that is compatible with this type of phenomenon, and that's why it is so important that when you see these patients you really have to take a very detailed history not just of the work environment but of the home environment. Do they have pets at home? Do they engage in certain hobbies? Woodworkers, for example, can develop hypersensitivity pneumonitis and there are certain types of woods where the protein or the sawdust that is created from these woods are very well known to be associated with the development of this type of pneumonitis. Taking a very detailed work history, home history, hobby history, finding out what materials are in the home, asking about things such as mold in the home, inquiring about the possibility of water damage in the home, taking a pet history and so forth are all critical in coming up with a diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.