A Case of Unexplained Shortness of Breath

Abstract

Unexplained shortness of breath is a challenging problem in clinical medicine. Many a times, the cause remains unexplored. Herein, we report one unusual case in a middle-aged chicken handler who had repeatedly been treated with antitubercular drugs with a diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. However, it was finally recognized as a case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This case reminds us of the importance of professional history taking. We are also apprehensive regarding the possibility of a burden of a similar situation in the background of ever-growing slaughter houses running without proper precautions.

Keywords

• Chicken handler’s disease
• DPLD
• hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• occupational lung disease
• shortness of breath