Brown Lung Disease

Also known as byssinosis, brown lung disease is a disease caused by constant inhalation of textile dusts, such as raw cotton or hemp. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the number of brown lung disease cases in the United States is decreasing due to preventative measures to reduce dust in the workplace, but it still exists. If left untreated, brown lung disease can develop into a permanent, more chronic lung condition.

Causes

• Brown lung disease is caused by breathing in dust produced by raw cotton. It is also caused by dust produced by flax, hemp or sisal. According to the NIH, it is prevalent in the textile industry where workers come into contact with raw cotton dust.

Symptoms

• Common symptoms of brown lung disease include chest tightness, wheezing, and a persistent cough. According to the University of Maryland, the symptoms are similar to those of asthma. The symptoms are temporary and usually peak during the beginning of the work week, lessening in severity after your leave work.

Complications

• Prolonged exposure to raw cotton dust without treatment can damage the lungs. It leads to more permanent complications, including a permanent cough, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Chronic bronchitis can also develop.

Treatments

• Brown lung disease is treated with a bronchodilator, which reduces the severity of symptoms. Corticosteroids are used if the bronchodilators are not enough to treat the symptoms. If the disease becomes chronic and does not go away after you leave the workplace, respiratory aids such as nebulizers or oxygen therapy equipment help aid breathing.

  Brown lung disease is also treated by reducing the amount of dust in the workplace. Using ventilators or different machinery that produces less dust helps reduce symptoms. Wearing a face mask also helps.

Prevention/Solution

• People can prevent brown lung disease by avoiding jobs that deal with raw cotton. Reducing the amount of raw cotton dust in the workplace also helps. Workers should also stop smoking, which increases their risk of developing brown lung disease.