Byssinosis (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==What causes Byssinosis?== | ==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. 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]]. | |||
==Who is at risk for Byssinosis?== | ==Who is at risk for Byssinosis?== | ||
Revision as of 14:12, 24 March 2010
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What is Byssinosis?
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. 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.
Who is at risk for Byssinosis?
How do I know I have Byssinosis?
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Byssinosis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Byssinosis