Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP): Tests
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, or HP, is a disease in which the lungs become inflamed from breathing in foreign substances, such as molds, dusts, and chemicals.
Part of: Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP)
Diagnosis of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP)
To diagnose hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), your doctor must pinpoint the antigen that’s causing the disease and its source. (An antigen is a substance that your body reacts against, such as molds, dusts, and chemicals.)
Your doctor will ask you detailed questions about:
Your doctor also will do a physical exam and look at test results to diagnose HP.
Physical Exam
During the physical exam, your doctor will ask about your signs and symptoms, such as coughing and weight loss. Your doctor also will look for signs of HP. For example, he or she will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope for abnormal breathing sounds. HP can cause a crackling sound when you breathe.
Your doctor also may look for signs of pulmonary fibrosis, a possible complication of chronic… Read more about Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP): Tests