Symptoms of byssinosis

Bysinossis is a medical condition that develops after prolonged exposure to cotton dust. Even dust from other fibers such as flax, hemp or sisal can cause byssinosis. The disease most commonly occurs in people who are working with these substances and are professionally exposed to them. Accumulation of the dust in lung tissue leads to structural and functional changes which then results in certain symptoms and signs of the disease.

Causes of Byssinosis

People who are working in textile industry are exposed to large amounts of dust originating from different textile. In the beginning the symptoms are present only after the expose to the dust and they tend to withdraw during weekends. If the disease has progressed the symptoms tend to linger without improving. All the textile factories need to take care of their employees and prevent this disease from occurring.

Symptoms of Byssinosis

People who are suffering from byssinosis complain about chest tightness. They cough a lot and also suffer from wheezing while breathing. All the mentioned symptoms worsen at the beginning of the working week and can improve drastically during weekends or if a person takes time from work. This is symptomatic for byssinosis.

Wheezing and lack of breath may only occasionally bother the patient in an early stage of byssinosis. Still the problem is when people tend to experience these symptoms even when they have a break from work. This can only point to progression of the disease.

Tests and Exams for Byssinosis

People who are professionally exposed to dust need to be examined routinely as only this way the disease can be found on time and progressive damage of the lung tissue can be successfully prevented.

First thing a doctor will do after obtaining the relevant information from the patient is to perform chest x-ray. Additionally, a patient will undergo pulmonary function tests. These tests will give proper insight in the extent of the damage of the lung tissue. All the tests and exams will help the doctor to determine the stage of the disease.

Treatment

The only way to stop progression of the disease is to reduce or totally eliminate the expose to the dust. Majority of patient needs to be relocated and do other jobs which are not related to exposure to dust.

Problems with breathing and other symptoms can be improved with bronchidilatators. These medications allow better supply of the lungs with oxygen. In rather severe cases of byssinosis a patient may be prescribed corticosteroids.

If a person is a smoker he/she must quit smoking instantly as cigarettes additionally affect the lung function.

In chronic form of the disease the treatment may include nebulizers and postural drainage. In extreme cases patients are supplied with additional oxygen.

And finally, some patients may benefit from physical exercise which will enhance the lung capacity and reduce the breathing difficulties.