Hypersensitivity pneumonitis diagnosis overview

The 6 Diagnostic Criteria for Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP)
When combined with the appropriate epidemiologic data and in areas of high prevalence, these criteria can establish the diagnosis of HP without the need for bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or biopsy (Lacasse, 2003).


 * 1) Exposure to a known offending antigen
 * 2) Positive precipitating antibodies to the offending antigen
 * 3) Recurrent episodes of symptoms
 * 4) Inspiratory crackles on physical examination
 * 5) Symptoms occurring 4-8 hours after exposure
 * 6) Weight loss