Diagnosis and Prevention of Lung Diseases Associated with Microbial Bioaerosols

Abstract

There is increasing recognition that the diagnosis of certain immunologic, infectious, and toxic lung diseases implicates inhalant exposure to environmental microbiological agents known collectively as bioaerosols. Diagnosis of a bioaerosol-related lung disease often requires further investigation to prevent ongoing exposure to the affected patient and to others sharing the environment who are at risk for illness. Pulmonologists skilled at accurate disease diagnosis and treatment typically have few resources to mobilize and little experience in responding to the public health implications of such exposure-related illnesses. This paper outlines common sources and characteristics of microbial bioaerosols, the lung diseases associated with them, and an approach to exposure identification, clinical management, and prevention for practicing physicians.

Key Words:

bioaerosols - environmental - asthma - hypersensitivity - pneumonitis - inhalation injury - allergic alveolitis - lung infections