byssinosis

Etiology

• inhalation of cotton, flax or hemp dust

Epidemiology

• cotton mill workers
• carding rooms provide greatest exposure

Pathology

• mechanism of injury is unknown
• IgE is not involved

Clinical manifestations

• on 1st day of the week
  • cough
  • paroxysmal wheezing
  • dyspnea
  • chest tightness
• gradual resolution of symptoms as the week progresses
• persistent exposure results in disease indistinguishable from COPD

Diagnostic procedures

• Pulmonary function testing:
• decrease in FEV1 on the 1st day
• lung function improves as the week progresses

Management

• prevention of exposure to cotton, flax or hemp dust
• smoking cessation

More general terms

• occupational lung disease