Bissinosis is a type of pneumoconiosis that is caused by inhaling small particles of cotton fibers, flax or hemp, which leads to narrowing of the airways, resulting in difficulty breathing and a feeling of pressure in the chest. See what pneumoconiosis is.
Treatment of bissinosis is by means of medicines that promote dilation of the respiratory tract, such as Salbutamol, which can be administered with the aid of an inhaler. Find out more about Salbutamol and how to use it.
Symptoms of Bissinosis
Bissinosis has the main symptoms of difficulty breathing and the sensation of pronounced pressure in the chest, which is due to the narrowing of the airways.
Bissinosis can be confused with bronchial asthma but, unlike asthma, the symptoms of bissinosis may disappear when the person is no longer exposed to cotton particles, for example, as on a weekend. See what are the symptoms and treatment of bronchial asthma.
How is the diagnosis made?
Diagnosis of bissinosis is done by means of a test that detects a decrease in lung capacity. After checking for decreased respiratory capacity and narrowing of the airways, it is important to control contact with cotton, flax or hemp fibers in order to avoid disease or its progression.
The most affected people are those who work with cotton in raw form and usually manifest symptoms during the first day of work due to the first contact with the fibers.
How to treat
Treatment for bissinosis is done with the use of bronchodilator medications, which must be taken while the symptoms of the disease last. For complete remission it is necessary that the person be removed from his place of work, so that he is no longer exposed to cotton fibers.
