Byssinosis
Epidemiology
Etiology
- Textile Dust Exposure: cotton, hemp, flax
- Grain Dust Exposure:
Physiology
- Unclear pathogenesis, may involve nonimmunologic mediator release
Pathology
Diagnosis
Clinical
- Acute Bronchospasm Pattern
- Chronic Bronchitis Pattern
Clinical Features of Byssinosis Which Differentiate It From Occupational Asthma
- No sensitization is required
- Most exposed workers are affected
- Symptoms improve with continued exposure
- Eosinophilia is absent
- May result in progression toward non-reversible airway obstruction
Treatment
References
