Chest
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A 74-year-old man, in excellent physical condition and doing regular intense cycling, was evaluated for transient episodes of thoracic discomfort over a period of several months. His medical history only included a right inguinal hernia, surgically treated, and an abdominal aortic aneurysm measured at 46 mm and treated medically. Physical examination did not reveal much information. ⋯ Laboratory test results were normal. Functional status was normal, without anomalies of pulmonary function tests or arterial blood gases. The ECG did not reveal any anomaly.
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Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an inflammatory and/or fibrotic disease affecting the lung parenchyma and small airways. It typically results from an immune-mediated reaction provoked by an overt or occult inhaled antigen in susceptible individuals. ⋯ Given the high prevalence of foam in pillows and mattresses, mold in foam in bedding may explain many HP cases with a previously unrecognized cause. Early identification and avoidance of foam in bedding may prevent HP progression to end-stage pulmonary fibrosis and death.