Neue epidemiologische Daten zur exogen-allergischen Alveolitis in Deutschland

The incidence of extrinsic allergic alveolitis (hypersensitivity pneumonitis) in Germany was calculated by registration of patients in 3 ambulatory centers of respiratory medicine. There were 2.5 definitely proven cases ofinhalative extrinsic allergic alveolitis per 100,000 inhabitants. These results exceed the previously known incidence of extrinsic allergic alveolitis in Germany of 0.6/100,000. The pervailing disorders are bird breeder's lung and humidifier lung. The frequency of allergic alveolitis in Germany might be even higher because not all patients suffering from lung disorders visit pneumological centers.