A man who has remediated water-damaged basements for over thirty years presents to an acute care clinic for ongoing breathing problems. He has never smoked, has never been exposed to asbestos, and is afebrile. The nurse knows the man is most likely suffering from what condition?

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis or extrinsic allergic alveolitis is an inflammatory reaction to environmental aerosolized substances. The most likely cause of the man’s allergies is from a microorganism (e.g. Bacillus subtilis, Cephalosporium) that he became sensitized to while working in basement remediation. His lack of asbestos exposure and cigarette smoke make it less likely his breathing problems are due to mesothelioma or COPD. MRSA pneumonia is uncommon and, once it occurs, is very aggressive. The man would have a fever, at least.

A man who has remediated water-damaged basements for over thirty ...

Category: Safety and Infection Control
Difficulty: 10

Topics: Respiratory Immunity Infection Inflammation Lifestyle Choices and High Risk Behavior

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