Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis physical examination
Introduction
Overview
Overview
In general, the signs of acute, subacute and chronic forms of the disease are similar except patients with the chronic form may have clubbing, weight loss and muscle wasting.
Physical Examination
Physical Examination
Appearance of the Patient
- Weight loss is present in the chronic form of the syndrome.
Vital Signs
Auscultation
- Diffuse fine bibasilar crackles over lower lung fields often are present.
Extremities
- Clubbing is observed in 50% of patients with the chronic form of the syndrome. Muscle wasting is also observed in the chronic form of the syndrome.
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]