Byssinosis overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Overview
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Overview

Byssinosis is a disease of the lungs brought on by breathing in cotton dust or dusts from other vegetable fibers such as flax, hemp, or sisal while at work.

Historical Perspective

The syndrome was first described in Iceland in 1874 and termed heykatarr.

Pathophysiology

The syndrome is caused by sensitization to repeated inhalation of dusts containing one of 300 organic antigens. These organic dusts come from a wide variety of sources but most commonly include:

• Dairy and grain products
• Animal dander and protein
• Wood bark
• Water reservoir vaporizers

The two most common antigens are:

1. Thermophilic actinomycetes and
2. Avian proteins

As a rseult of exposure to thee antigens, the two most common causes (i.e. diseases) are:

1. Farmer's lung and
2. Bird fancier's lung