Byssinosis (patient information)

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 * 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?

 * Chest tightness
 * Cough
 * Wheezing

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:
 * Chest x-ray
 * Pulmonary function tests

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

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.

Prevention
Controlling dust, using face masks, and other measures can reduce the risk. Stop smoking, especially if you work in textile manufacturing.