Antigen avoidance in people with hypersensitivity pneumonitis: A scoping review

Heart Lung. 2021 May-Jun;50(3):407-416. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2021.01.023. Epub 2021 Feb 20.

Abstract

Background: Antigen avoidance (AA) is essential for people with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). An intervention programme to promote continuous AA in people with HP will be the focus of future research.

Objectives: We systematically analysed the AA behaviour of people with HP, interventions of health-care providers to promote AA behaviour, clinical outcomes after AA, and evaluation methods after AA.

Methods: We conducted a scoping review using six online databases and manual searches. Papers written in English or Japanese that reported cases on AA were selected. The extracted data were classified qualitatively.

Results: In total 205 cases included in 109 eligible papers were examined.

Conclusions: This review clarified the fundamental evidence of AA in people with HP. These people required the continuous support of health-care providers to continue appropriate AA. This review highlighted four aspects that require further research to design interventions for promoting effective and continuous AA in people with HP.

Keywords: Antigen avoidance; Antigen removal; Behavioral changes; Hypersensitivity pneumonitis; Patient education.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic*
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans