Byssinosis (patient information): Difference between revisions
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{{CMG}}; '''Assistant Editor(s)-in-Chief:''' Alexandra M. Palmer | |||
==Overview== | |||
== | |||
[[Byssinosis]] is a [[disease]] of the [[lungs]] brought on by [[breathing]] in cotton dust or dusts from other vegetable fibers such as flax, hemp, or sisal while at work. | [[Byssinosis]] is a [[disease]] of the [[lungs]] brought on by [[breathing]] in cotton dust or dusts from other vegetable fibers such as flax, hemp, or sisal while at work. | ||
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Methods of prevention in the U.S. have reduced the number of cases, but [[byssinosis]] is still common in developing countries. | Methods of prevention in the U.S. have reduced the number of cases, but [[byssinosis]] is still common in developing countries. | ||
==Who is at risk | ==Who is at highest risk?== | ||
People who work in the textile industry are at risk due to their exposure to dust. Being exposed to the dust many times can lead to [[chronic]] [[lung disease]] and [[shortness of breath]] or [[wheezing]]. Smoking increases the risk for this [[disease]]. | People who work in the textile industry are at risk due to their exposure to dust. Being exposed to the dust many times can lead to [[chronic]] [[lung disease]] and [[shortness of breath]] or [[wheezing]]. Smoking increases the risk for this [[disease]]. | ||
== | ==When to seek urgent medical care== | ||
Call your [[health care provider]] if you have symptoms of [[byssinosis]]. | |||
==Diagnosis== | |||
Your [[health care provider]] will take a detailed [[medical history]], and will ask many questions to try to find out whether your symptoms relate to certain exposures or times of exposure. The [[health care provider]] will also do a [[physical exam]], with special attention to the [[lungs]]. Other tests include: | Your [[health care provider]] will take a detailed [[medical history]], and will ask many questions to try to find out whether your symptoms relate to certain exposures or times of exposure. The [[health care provider]] will also do a [[physical exam]], with special attention to the [[lungs]]. Other tests include: | ||
*[[Chest x-ray]] | *[[Chest x-ray]] | ||
*[[Pulmonary function tests]] | *[[Pulmonary function tests]] | ||
==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
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Controlling dust, using face masks, and other measures can reduce the risk. Stop smoking, especially if you work in textile manufacturing. | Controlling dust, using face masks, and other measures can reduce the risk. Stop smoking, especially if you work in textile manufacturing. | ||
==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)== | ==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== | ||
Symptoms usually improve after stopping exposure to the dust. Continued exposure can lead to damaged [[lung]] function. In the U.S., worker's compensation may be available to people with [[byssinosis]]. | Symptoms usually improve after stopping exposure to the dust. Continued exposure can lead to damaged [[lung]] function. In the U.S., worker's compensation may be available to people with [[byssinosis]]. | ||
==Possible complications== | ==Possible complications== | ||
[[Chronic bronchitis]] may develop. | [[Chronic bronchitis (patient information)|Chronic bronchitis]] may develop. | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
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[[Category:Patient | [[Category:Patient information]] | ||
[[Category:Pulmonology]] | |||
[[Category:Pulmonary patient information]] | |||
[[Category:Immunology]] | |||
[[Category:Occupational diseases]] | |||
[[Category:Mature chapter]] | |||
[[Category:Disease state]] | |||
Revision as of 04:42, 29 July 2011
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant Editor(s)-in-Chief: Alexandra M. Palmer
Overview
Byssinosis is a disease of the lungs brought on by breathing in cotton dust or dusts from other vegetable fibers such as flax, hemp, or sisal while at work.
What are the symptoms of Byssinosis?
Symptoms will get worse at the beginning of the work week, and then improve while you are away from the workplace, or later in the work week.
What causes Byssinosis?
Breathing in the dust produced by raw cotton can cause byssinosis. It is most common in people who work in the textile industry. Those who are sensitive to the dust can have an asthma-like condition after being exposed. 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.
Who is at highest risk?
People who work in the textile industry are at risk due to their exposure to dust. Being exposed to the dust many times can lead to chronic lung disease and shortness of breath or wheezing. Smoking increases the risk for this disease.
When to seek urgent medical care
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of byssinosis.
Diagnosis
Your health care provider will take a detailed medical history, and will ask many questions to try to find out whether your symptoms relate to certain exposures or times of exposure. The health care provider will also do a physical exam, with special attention to the lungs. Other tests include:
Treatment options
The most important treatment is to stop exposure to the dust. Reducing dust levels in the factory (by improving machinery or ventilation) will help prevent byssinosis. Some people may have to change jobs to avoid further exposure.
Medications such as bronchodilators will usually improve symptoms. Corticosteroids may be prescribed in more severe cases.
Stopping smoking is very important for people with this condition. Respiratory treatments, including nebulizers, may be prescribed if the condition becomes chronic. Home oxygen therapy may also be needed if blood oxygen levels are low.
Physical exercise programs, breathing exercises, and patient education programs are often very helpful for people with a chronic lung disease.
Where to find medical care for Byssinosis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Byssinosis
Prevention of Byssinosis
Controlling dust, using face masks, and other measures can reduce the risk. Stop smoking, especially if you work in textile manufacturing.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Symptoms usually improve after stopping exposure to the dust. Continued exposure can lead to damaged lung function. In the U.S., worker's compensation may be available to people with byssinosis.
Possible complications
Chronic bronchitis may develop.