Lung diseases associated with the building

Diseases associated with the building are a heterogeneous group of diseases, the causes of which are associated with the environment of modern airtight buildings. Such buildings are characterized by sealed windows and dependence on heat supply, ventilation and air conditioning systems for air exchange. Most cases occur in non-industrial office buildings, but may occur in apartment buildings, separate family homes, schools, museums and libraries.

Lung diseases associated with the building may be specific and nonspecific.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]

Specific diseases associated with the building

Specific diseases associated with the building are those for which a link between the factors of the impact of the home and the disease has been proved. Examples include infection caused by Legionella, occupational bronchial asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and inhalation fever.

Inhalation fever is a febrile reaction caused by exposure to organic aerosols or dust. The names used to describe this type of disease include fever of the air humidifier, cereal fever and mycotoxicosis. Metal dust and polymer fumes can also cause febrile illness. The term "toxic organic dust syndrome" (TSSP) was used to describe the reaction to any organic dust, although the term "toxic pneumonitis" is also common.

In non-industrial buildings, a disease called a humidifier fever occurs as a result of the operation of air humidifiers or other types of ventilation serving as a reservoir for the growth of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) and a means of dispersing these pollutants. The disease is usually manifested by low temperature, malaise, coughing and shortness of breath. Improvement in limiting exposure to factors (for example, a weekend away from the office building) is often one of the first evidence in favor of etiology. The condition has an acute beginning and lasts a certain time (usually 2-3 days). Physical manifestations may be absent or mild. Group diseases are common. Unlike immunologically mediated conditions such as pneumonitis of hypersensitivity and associated with the building of bronchial asthma, inhalation fevers have no period of sensitization. The disease can occur at the first exposure. Acute episodes usually do not require treatment, except for removal from the contaminated environment and antipyretics. If symptoms persist, further examination should be aimed at excluding infection, pneumonitis of hypersensitivity or other conditions. Detection of the pathogen (detection of airborne microbes in the habitat) can be costly and time consuming, but it is necessary in some cases to identify the source of contaminated air. Inhalation fevers of all types are usually prevented by good ventilation systems.

Nonspecific diseases associated with the building

Nonspecific diseases associated with the building are those for which the link between disease and exposure to building conditions is more difficult to prove. The term sick building syndrome was used to describe diseases that occur in groups within a building whose symptoms are often vague, including itching, irritation, dry eyes or watery eyes; rhinorrhea or nasal congestion; pain in the throat or constriction; dry itchy skin or unexplained rashes on the skin and headache, drowsiness and difficulty concentrating.

In some cases, certain building-related factors appear to explain the symptoms; they include a higher building temperature, higher humidity and poor ventilation, usually with the inability to provide sufficient fresh air. But the characteristics of the patient, including the female sex, atopy in the anamnesis, increased attention to sensations, anxiety about the available, anxiety, depression and sometimes massive hysteria can also underlie the disease.