17th January 2024

Presentation

The presentation of HP can be broadly classed as acute, subacute and chronic, and the clinical presentation of an individual with HP may differ depending on their disease classification status. The below diagram lists common symptoms experienced in HP.

Adapted from: Grammer, L. (2022) Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, Hypersensitivity pneumonitis – Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice. BMJ Best Practice. Available at: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/647 (Accessed: January 15, 2023). 

The above symptoms can begin as soon as four hours after exposure to an allergen. They are usually accompanied by physical signs such as: diffuse crackles, mid-inspiratory noises and clubbing (advanced disease). Wheeze is not normally a prominent feature of HP, and if present, other diagnoses such as severe asthma, should be considered instead.