Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: difficulties of diagnosis and occupational pathological aspects

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an interstitial lung disease characterized by an immunological reaction of the lung parenchyma in response to certain antigens in a susceptible individual. According to the literature, the prevalence of HP is 1–4 cases per 100 thousand population. Identifying HP is a complex task and requires an integrated approach with the participation of different specialists, since currently there is no "gold standard" for its diagnosis. A clinical observation of a patient with HP that developed against the background of his professional activity is presented. Incomplete taking of the patient's medical history and insufficient consideration of the possible influence of work environment factors on the onset of the disease led to a delay in getting a correct diagnosis and prescribing appropriate treatment.