J67.5: Mushroom-worker lung

Mushroom-worker lung, or hypersensitivity pneumonitis, is a lung condition that occurs as a result of an immune system response to prolonged exposure to certain types of mushroom spores. Individuals who work in mushroom cultivation or processing are at particular risk, hence the name of the condition. The immune response triggered by these spores causes inflammation that can lead to shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. Over time, if untreated, the persistent inflammation may cause scarring (fibrosis) in the lungs, which affects the function of the lungs and the ability to breathe. Mushroom-worker lung typically presents with the symptoms after repeated exposure to the spores and, if possible, the diagnosis process often includes identifying and removing the source of exposure.