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Hypersensitivity pneumonitis epidemiology and demographics

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sargun Singh Walia M.B.B.S.[2]

Overview

The incidence and prevalence of hypersensitivity pneumonitis varies depending on various factors like season, occupation etc.Hypersensitivity pneumonitis usually affects patients in fourth to sixth decade of life.The mean age at diagnosis is 53 +/- 14 years.There is no racial predilection to hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis affects men and women equally. Death due to Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is reported more in men.

Epidemiology and Demographics

Incidence

  • The incidence rate of hypersensitivity pneumonitis varies depending on various factors like season, occupation etc. [1]
    • The incidence of hypersensitivity pneumonitis among farmers is approximately 8 – 540 per 100,000 individuals worldwide.
    • The incidence of hypersensitivity pneumonitis pigeon breeders is approximately 6000 to 21,000 per 100,000 individuals worldwide.

Prevalence

  • The prevalence of hypersensitivity pneumonitis varies based on exposure/occupation.
  • These are as following:
    • Farmers:
      • US: 8-540 cases per 100,000 persons per year among those at risk.[2]
      • UK: 420-3000 cases per 100,000 persons per year among those at risk.[3]
      • France: 4370 cases per 100,000 persons per year among those at risk.[4]
      • Finland: 1400-1700 cases per 100,000 persons per year among those at risk.[5]
    • Pigeon Breeders: 6000-21,000 cases per 100,000 persons per year
    • Bird Fanciers: 20-20,000 cases per 100,000 persons per year

Age

  • Hypersensitivity pneumonitis usually affects patients in fourth to sixth decade of life.
  • The mean age at diagnosis is 53 +/- 14 years.[6]

Race

  • There is no racial predilection to hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Gender

  • Hypersensitivity pneumonitis affects men and women equally.
  • Death due to Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is reported more in men.[7]

References

  1. ↑ Terho EO, Husman K, Vohlonen I (1987). “Prevalence and incidence of chronic bronchitis and farmer’s lung with respect to age, sex, atopy, and smoking”. Eur J Respir Dis Suppl. 152: 19–28. PMID 3499342.
  2. ↑ Gruchow HW, Hoffmann RG, Marx JJ, Emanuel DA, Rimm AA (1981). “Precipitating antibodies to farmer’s lung antigens in a Wisconsin farming population”. Am. Rev. Respir. Dis. 124 (4): 411–5. doi:10.1164/arrd.1981.124.4.411. PMID 7027852.
  3. ↑ Dalphin JC, Debieuvre D, Pernet D, Maheu MF, Polio JC, Toson B, Dubiez A, Monnet E, Laplante JJ, Depierre A (1993). “Prevalence and risk factors for chronic bronchitis and farmer’s lung in French dairy farmers”. Br J Ind Med. 50 (10): 941–4. PMC 1035525. PMID 8217855.
  4. ↑ Depierre A, Dalphin JC, Pernet D, Dubiez A, Faucompré C, Breton JL (1988). “Epidemiological study of farmer’s lung in five districts of the French Doubs province”. Thorax. 43 (6): 429–35. PMC 461305. PMID 3420554.
  5. ↑ Terho EO (1990). “Work-related respiratory disorders among Finnish farmers”. Am. J. Ind. Med. 18 (3): 269–72. PMID 2220830.
  6. ↑ Hanak V, Golbin JM, Ryu JH (2007). “Causes and presenting features in 85 consecutive patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis”. Mayo Clin. Proc. 82 (7): 812–6. doi:10.4065/82.7.812. PMID 17605960.
  7. ↑ Adkinson NF. Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis. Middleton’s Allergy: Principles and Practice. 8th Ed. Saunders; 2013.

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