Factors influencing the clinical presentation of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in pigeon breeders in Minia governorate: an Egyptian experience

Abstract

Abstract Background Bird fanciers’ lung (BFL) is a very famous type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) produced by airborne exposure to avian antigens. Immunological response and duration of exposure to the avian protein increase the risk of developing BFL. The current study investigates the risk factors and the clinical characteristics of BFL in pigeon breeders. This study aimed to determine the risk factors and clinical characteristics of HP in pigeon breeders. Results This cross-sectional observational study included 67 hypersensitivity pneumonitis patients with a history of pigeon breeding. Patients were subjected to history taking (age, smoking history and duration, and type of exposure to birds), clinical examination, chest X-ray, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), oxygen saturation, and spirometry. Most of BFL patients were females (83.6%) and non-smokers (86.6%). Breathlessness, cough, fever, and crackles were the most common findings. Sweeping for birds was associated with more reduction of forced vital capacity (FVC) (p value 0.02). Patients who were exposed in closed places had a rapid onset of symptoms (p value 0.01). Conclusion In this study, most of the patients with BFL are females and non-smokers. Sweeping for birds and exposure in closed areas are important risk factors of HP in BFL.