Cheese Washer's Lung

By Stuart M. Smith, MD and B. James McCallum, MD

This is simply the most interesting name for a series of respiratory ailments known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It is effectively an allergic inflammation of the lung that leads to shortness of breath, wheezing, and overall poor respiratory health. In the case of Cheese washer's lung, it is caused by inhalation of Pencillum casei or P.roqueforti, which are commonly found on the rinds of cheeses. Other related disease include:

Bird-Breeder's Lung
Also called Bird-Fancier's Lung, Pigeon-Breeder's Lung, and Poultry-Worker's Lung. Exposure is from feathers and bird droppings.

Farmer's Lung
Exposure is generally from moldy hay but may be found elsewhere.

Malt Worker's Lung
Exposure is from moldy barley.

Mushroom Worker's Lung (or "dung lung")
Exposure is from mushroom compost.

Peat Moss Worker's Lung
Exposure is from peat moss.

Mollusk Shell Lung (also known as pearl worker's lung)
Exposure is from mollusk shell dust.

Of these types, Farmer's Lung and Bird-Breeder's Lung are the most common.

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