The defense mechanisms of the body present as cold and flu-like symptoms that occur in individuals who experience either acute or chronic reactions.The mold spores are inhaled and provoke the creation of IgE antibodies that circulate in the bloodstream, these types of immune response are most often initiated by exposure to thermophilic actinomycetes (most commonly Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula), which generate IgG-type antibodies. Following a subsequent exposure, IgG antibodies combined with the inhaled allergen to form immune complexes in the walls of the alveoli in the lungs. This causes fluid, protein, and cells to accumulate in the alveolar wall which slows blood-gas interchange and compromises the function of the lung. After multiple exposures, it takes less and less of the antigens to set off the reaction in the lung. Prevention
Farmers lung disease (FLD) is permanent and cannot be reversed, therefore in order to prevent the onset of further stages, farmers should inform their doctor of their occupation and if they have mold in their work environment. Prevention of this respiratory illness can be facilitated through the ventilation of work areas, drying of materials, and the use of a mask when working in confined areas with moldy hay or crops. Diagnosis
Diagnoses of Farmers lung is difficult due to its similarity to cold and flu-like symptoms. Doctors diagnose patients with Farmers lung under the following conditions:

A clinical history of symptoms such as cough, fever, and labored breathing when exposed to mold in work environment. The presence of diffuse lung disease in chronic cases.
Knuckle pads (also known as "Heloderma", meaning similar to the skin of the Gila monster lizard for which it is named) are circumscribed, keratotic, fibrous growths over the dorsa of the interphalangeal joints. They are described as well-defined, round, plaque-like, fibrous thickening that may develop at any age, and grow to be 10 to 15mm in diameter in the course of a few weeks or months, then go away over time.Knuckle pads are sometimes associated with Dupuytrens contracture and camptodactyly,: 595  and histologically, the lesions are fibromas. : 595  Knuckle pads are generally non-responsive to treatment, including corticosteroids, and tend to recur after surgery; however, there has been some effectiveness with intralesional fluorouracil. See also
Skin lesion
List of cutaneous conditions
Garrods pad

References
Further reading
Guberman D;  et al. (1996). ""Knuckle pads-a forgotten skin condition " report of a case and review of the literature". Cutis. 57 (4): 241–242. PMID 8727774. Ly Y;  et al. (2003). "A novel mutation of keratin 9 in epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma combined with knuckle pads". Am J Med Genet. 120A (3): 345–9. doi:10.1002/ajmg.a.20090. PMID 12838553. Peterson CM;  et al. (2000). "Knuckle pads: does knuckle cracking play an etiologic role?". Pediatr Dermatol. 17 (6): 450–2. doi:10.1046/j.1525-1470.2000.01819.x. PMID 11123776. == External links ==