Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Due to Exposure To Budgerigars

Nine patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to exposure to budgerigars, in their homes, are described. All had an insidious onset of symptoms, and many were at first thought to have recurrent episodes of influenza. Three patients had progressed to a state resembling pulmonary fibrosis. All patients had an atopic background and gave positive immediate, reagin mediated, and a second phase, precipitin mediated, skin test reactions to budgerigar antigens. Precipitating antibodies against these same antigens were detected in the patients' sera. Avoidance therapy has been successful in the earlier stages and adrenal corticosteroids have been of benefit in the later stages of the illness.