Byssinosis - work-aggravated asthma
Key points
- A lung disorder characterized by attacks of breathing difficulty, wheezing, prolonged exhalation, and cough, which is caused by various agents found in the work place (see also bronchial asthma).
- There are many agents in the workplace that can cause occupational asthma.
- Symptoms usually occur shortly after exposure to the offending agent (the allergen) and often improve or disappear when the affected person leaves the workplace.
- The history reveals a pattern of worsening symptoms associated with exposure to a specific agent or workplace environment.
Alternative names
Asthma - occupational exposure; Occupational asthma; Irritant-induced reactive airways disease
Definition
A lung disorder characterized by attacks of breathing difficulty, wheezing, prolonged exhalation, and cough, which is caused by various agents found in the work place (see also bronchial asthma). These symptoms are usually due to spasms of the muscles lining the airways, which cause them to narrow excessively.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
There are many agents in the workplace that can cause occupational asthma. Most commonly, these include protein molecules (wood dust, grain dust, animal dander, fungi) or other chemicals (especially di-isocyanates). Though the actual rate of occurrence of occupational asthma is unknown, it is suspected to cause between 2 and 20 percent of all cases of asthma in industrialized nations.
The following workers are at higher risk:
- Plastics workers
- Metal workers
- Bakers
- Millers
- Farmers
- Grain elevator workers
- Laboratory workers
- Woodworkers
- Drug manufacturers
- Detergent manufacturers
Symptoms
Symptoms usually occur shortly after exposure to the offending agent (the allergen) and often improve or disappear when the affected person leaves the workplace. The symptoms often worsen as the work week progresses and resolve on weekends or vacations. Some people may experience a delayed onset of symptoms, occurring as many as 12 hours after exposure to the allergen.
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Cough
- A feeling of tightness in the chest
Signs and tests
The history reveals a pattern of worsening symptoms associated with exposure to a specific agent or workplace environment. Making the association with the correct allergen can be very difficult.
Wheezing may be heard when listening to the chest with a stethoscope (auscultation).
Tests used in the diagnosis of occupational asthma may include the following:
- Pulmonary function tests
Frequently asked questions
What is byssinosis?
A lung disorder characterized by attacks of breathing difficulty, wheezing, prolonged exhalation, and cough, which is caused by various agents found in the work place (see also bronchial asthma). These symptoms are usually due to spasms of the muscles lining the airways, which cause them to narrow excessively.
What are the risk factors for byssinosis?
There are many agents in the workplace that can cause occupational asthma. Most commonly, these include protein molecules (wood dust, grain dust, animal dander, fungi) or other chemicals (especially di-isocyanates). Though the actual rate of occurrence of occupational asthma is unknown, it is suspected to cause between 2 and 20 percent of all cases of asthma in industrialized nations. The following workers are at higher risk:
- Plastics workers
- Metal workers
- Bakers
- Millers
- Farmers
- Grain elevator workers
- Laboratory workers
- Woodworkers
- Drug manufacturers
- Detergent manufacturers
What are the symptoms of byssinosis?
Symptoms usually occur shortly after exposure to the offending agent (the allergen) and often improve or disappear when the affected person leaves the workplace. The symptoms often worsen as the work week progresses and resolve on weekends or vacations. Some people may experience a delayed onset of symptoms, occurring as many as 12 hours after exposure to the allergen.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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