maple bark disease [AS, mapul + ONorse, bark + L, dis, opposite of; Fr, aise, ease] , a hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by exposure to the mold Cryptostroma corticale, found in the bark of maple trees. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: In the susceptible person the condition may be acute, accompanied by fever, cough, dyspnea, and vomiting, or chronic, characterized by fatigue, weight loss, dyspnea on exertion, and a productive cough. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: In an acute or severe case a short course of prednisone may be used to control the symptoms; avoiding exposure to the bark prevents further reaction. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: Although differential diagnosis may be difficult, a thorough occupational history may reveal the cause and source of exposure.
