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Byssinosis (cotton dust) Causes and Risks:
Inhalation of the dust produced by industrial processing of textiles is the cause of this disease. An asthma-like condition results from exposure to dust in sensitive individuals. Preventative measures in the US have lowered the incidence of this disease, but it remains prevalent in developing countries. Smoking increases the risk of this disease. Repeated exposure leads to chronic bronchitis .
Prevention:
Use of dust control measures, face masks, and other measures in industrial settings may reduce the risk.
Stop smoking if your work in textile manufacturing.
Symptoms:
- history of exposure to dusts from textile manufacture
- symptoms worse at the beginning of the work week
- chest tightness
- cough
- wheezing
Signs and Tests:
Treatment:
Medications such as bronchodilators will usually improve the symptoms. Corticosteroids may be prescribed in more severe cases.
Stopping smoking is very important for people with this condition.
Respiratory treatments, including nebulizers and postural drainage, may be prescribed if the condition becomes chronic . Home oxygen therapy may also be needed.
Physical exercise programs, breathing exercises, and patient education programs are often very helpful for people with a chronic lung disease .
Prognosis:
Symptoms usually improve after stopping exposure to cotton dust. Continued exposure leads to chronic impairment of lung function . In the U.S., worker's compensation is available to those affected by byssinosis.
Complications:
Chronic bronchitis may develop.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms of byssinosis occur.
This is an illustration of the major features of the lungs and bronchial tree. The inset is of the alveoli. They are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.
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