Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Claims

What is hypersensitivity pneumonitis?

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, or extrinsic allergic alveolitis, is a disease that causes inflammation in the lungs that can lead to permanent scarring. It can develop after repeated exposure to certain substances, such as bacteria, fungi, animal proteins, plants, and chemicals, which cause the lungs to develop an immune response.

There are specific types of hypersensitivity pneumonitis depending on what substance you have inhaled, including:

• Farmer’s lung: Dust or spores rising from mouldy hay, grain and straw
• Mushroom grower’s lung: Spores from mushrooms and their bedding
• Bird fancier’s lung: In particles from feathers or bird droppings
• Metal worker’s lung: Cutting fluid used in tool rooms or machine shops
• Byssinosis: Cotton dust.

What are the symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis?

The main symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis are shortness of breath and coughing. The condition can also be progressive, becoming very disabling and potentially reducing life expectancy.

One possible complication is scarring of the lung tissue, also known as pulmonary fibrosis. This can make your shortness of breath and cough worse and cause other symptoms like weight loss and fatigue.

Why choose Irwin Mitchell to make a compensation claim for hypersensitivity pneumonitis?

Farmer’s lung and other types of hypersensitivity pneumonitis are serious respiratory illnesses that can be debilitating for sufferers—with us, you will get not only legal support, but physical and mental health support, too.

Our nationwide team of industrial disease solicitors are specialists in claims for hypersensitivity pneumonitis, as we have helped thousands like you get the support they need over the years. We understand the impact this illness can have and will make sure you can access the best possible medical care to manage your symptoms.