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Bissinosis
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Bissinosis is a form of reactive respiratory disease characterized by bronchospasm, in workers in contact with cotton, linseed and hemp. The etiological cause is unknown.
Symptoms of abscissosis are a feeling of congestion in the chest and shortness of breath, which worsen on the first day of the workweek and subside by the end of the week. The diagnosis is based on anamnesis and lung function tests. The treatment of abscissosis includes the cessation of exposure and the use of antiasthmatics.
[What causes an abscissosis?
Bissinosis is found only in workers who come into contact with raw, raw cotton, especially those exposed to open production, or who work in cotton-spinning premises. Bissinosis can occur after acute exposure, but usually develops in workers with an anamnesis of chronic exposure. Experience shows that some components in the cotton inflorescence lead to bronchospasm. Although bacterial endotoxin is a likely cause, the absence of such symptoms in other circumstances, when workers are exposed to endotoxin, leaves some doubt. Long-term exposure to cotton dust, as was once thought, causes emphysema, the theory is not disproved. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis often occur in exposed cotton dust.
Symptoms of abscissosis
Symptoms of abscissosis consist of tightness in the chest and shortness of breath, which decrease with repeated exposures. Symptoms develop on the first day of work after weekends or holidays and decrease or disappear by the end of the week. With repeated exposure for several years, the feeling of restraint in the chest tends to repeat and last longer than the middle of the week and sometimes until the end of the week, or while the person continues to work. This typical periodical structure distinguishes bissinosis from bronchial asthma. Symptoms of abscissosis in acute exposure are tachypnea and wheezing. Patients with extensive chronic exposure may have rattling rales.
Diagnosis of an abscissosis
Diagnosis of an abscissosis is based on anamnesis and lung function tests that reflect typical obstructive changes and a reduction in ventilation capacity, especially if performed at the beginning and end of the first working period. Hyperreactivity on methacholine is also often observed. Medical surveillance, including symptom detection and spirometry in textile workers, can help in the early detection of the disease.
Treatment of abscissosis
The treatment of abscissosis involves the prevention or reduction of contact with the irritant and the use of antiasthmatic drugs.