Byssinosis
Definition
Byssinosis is a disease of the lungs caused by breathing in cotton dust or dusts from other vegetable fibers such as flax, hemp, or sisal while at work.
See also: Occupational asthma
Alternative Names
Cotton worker's lung; Cotton bract disease; Mill fever; Brown lungCauses
Breathing in the dust produced in the textile industry can cause byssinosis. People who are sensitive can have an asthma-like condition after being exposed to dust. In those with asthma, being exposed to the dust makes breathing more difficult, but in byssinosis, the symptoms usually go away by the end of the work week. After long periods of exposure, symptoms can continue throughout the week without improving.
Methods of prevention in the U.S. have reduced the number of cases, but byssinosis is still common in developing countries. Smoking increases the risk for this disease. Being exposed to the dust many times can lead to chronic lung disease and shortness of breath or wheezing.
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