From the Guidelines
Byssinosis, also known as Brown lung disease or Cotton dust lung disease, is a respiratory condition caused by inhaling cotton dust particles, characterized by chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing, and is classified as an occupational disease under code 304.02 by the European list of occupational diseases 1.
Definition and Classification
Byssinosis is a lung disease caused by the inhalation of dust and fibers from cotton, flax, hemp, jute, sisal, and bagasse, and is recognized as an occupational disease in many countries, including those in Europe and the USA 1.
- The disease is typically associated with workers in textile factories who are exposed to high levels of cotton dust.
- Symptoms of byssinosis include chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing, which often worsen on the first day back to work after time off, known as the "Monday phenomenon".
Treatment and Management
Treatment of byssinosis focuses on removing the person from exposure and providing symptom relief with bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids, as well as prevention through proper ventilation systems, dust control measures, and personal protective equipment 1.
- Bronchodilators like albuterol may be prescribed for symptom relief.
- Inhaled corticosteroids such as fluticasone may be prescribed for ongoing inflammation.
- Severe cases might require oral prednisone.
- Regular lung function monitoring with spirometry is recommended for at-risk workers.
Prevention and Complications
Prevention is crucial in managing byssinosis, and early intervention is essential to prevent permanent lung damage and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 1.
- Proper ventilation systems, dust control measures, and personal protective equipment like N95 respirators can help prevent the disease.
- With continued exposure, permanent lung damage and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can develop, making early intervention essential.
From the Research
Definition and Symptoms of Byssinosis
- Byssinosis, also known as Brown lung disease or Cotton dust lung disease, is a respiratory disease caused by exposure to cotton dust 2, 3, 4.
- Symptoms of byssinosis include airway irritation, cough with or without phlegm, and Monday morning chest tightness 2.
- The symptoms are similar to those induced by other organic dusts and are characterized by acute or chronic inflammation, with bacterial endotoxins being the causative agents for the acute and some chronic reactions 2.
Associated Health Effects
- Long-term exposure to cotton dust has been implicated in causing diseases like byssinosis, obstructive airway diseases like COPD and asthma, and interstitial lung disease 3, 5, 4.
- Cotton dust exposure can lead to chronic obstructive airway disease, and cessation of exposure to cotton dust can lead to improvement in lung function 5, 4.
- Textile dust-related obstructive lung disease has characteristics of both asthma and COPD, and other types of textile dust, such as silk, may contribute to COPD in textile workers 4.
Prevention and Control
- Interventions for prevention of cotton dust-associated lung diseases among textile workers include engineering or administrative controls, or personal protective equipment (PPE) 6.
- Administrative controls may involve setting standards, environmental surveillance, periodic medical examinations, and workers training, while engineering controls may involve pre-processing, bactericidal treatment of cotton, improved workplace design, machinery and dust control measures 6.