REVUE ALGERIENNE D’ALLERGOLOGIE
Volume 10, Numéro 2, Pages 47-50
2026-01-05
Bird Fancier’s Lung In An 8-year-old Girl: A Pediatric Diagnostic Challenge
Authors : Sekfali Lynda . Belbouab Reda .
Abstract
Background: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an uncommon immune-mediated interstitial lung disease in children, frequently misdiagnosed as asthma. Avian antigens are the predominant cause. Case presentation: An 8-year-old girl presented with an 8-month history of dry cough, exertional dyspnea, and weight loss, unresponsive to inhaled therapy. HRCT revealed diffuse ground-glass opacities. Bronchoalveolar lavage showed lymphocytic alveolitis, and serology confirmed elevated pigeon-specific IgG. Chronic exposure to pigeons on an adjacent balcony established the diagnosis of bird fancier’s lung. Strict antigen avoidance and systemic corticosteroids (intravenous pulses followed by oral prednisone) resulted in rapid clinical improvement and near-complete radiologic resolution at 12 months. Conclusion: Early recognition through targeted environmental inquiry, HRCT, and immunologic testing is critical in children with refractory respiratory symptoms. Antigen avoidance and timely corticosteroid therapy ensure an excellent prognosis
Keywords
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis ; Bird fancier’s lung ; Pigeon exposure ; Child ; Interstitial lung disease ; Asthma misdiagnosis
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