You can know if you have cotton lungs by the signs and symptoms and by getting tested by a doctor.
The signs and symptoms of cotton lungs are shortness of breath, wheezing, cough and chest tightness.
Cotton Lung is also known as byssinosis.
Byssinosis also known as cotton lung is a narrowing of the airways (asthma-like syndrome) caused by inhaling cotton, flax, or hemp particles.
Byssinosis or cotton lung may cause shortness of breath, wheezing, and tightness in the chest, usually on the first day of work after a break.
Common symptoms of cotton lung or Byssinosis include.
Chest tightness or wheezing.
Shortness of breath.
Coughing, especially upon exposure to dust or irritants.
Chest discomfort or pain.
Fatigue or weakness.
Decreased lung function.
The most important treatment for cotton lung or byssinosis is to stop being exposed to the dust.
Reducing dust levels in the factory (by improving machinery or ventilation) will help prevent byssinosis.
Some people may have to change jobs to avoid further exposure.
Medicines used for asthma, such as bronchodilators, usually improve symptoms.
Inhaling the dust produced by raw cotton can cause byssinosis.
It is most common in people who work in the textile industry.
Those who are sensitive to the dust can have an asthma-like condition after being exposed.
Methods of prevention in the United States have reduced the number of cases.