Occupational hazard associated with inhalation of Cotton fiber is?

Appeared in: ESIC Nursing Officer 2016 (Shift -2)

Explanation

Byssinosis is an occupational lung disease specifically caused by the inhalation of dust from cotton fibers, as well as from other vegetable fibers like flax and hemp.
It is commonly referred to as "brown lung disease" or "Monday fever" because the symptoms, such as chest tightness and dyspnea, characteristically worsen at the beginning of the workweek after a period of absence.
The disease progresses from acute, reversible airway obstruction to chronic, irreversible lung disease with long-term exposure.

Option B: Bagassosis is caused by the inhalation of dust from moldy sugarcane fiber (bagasse), not cotton fiber.
Option C: Silicosis is caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust, which is found in sand, rock, and mineral ores.
Option D: Asbestosis is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, a mineral used in insulation, construction, and shipbuilding.

Visual 1: Infographic: A table comparing different types of pneumoconiosis, their causative dusts, associated occupations, and key clinical features. This helps in differentiating between similar-sounding conditions.
Visual 2: Illustration: A diagram showing the deposition of cotton fibers in the alveoli and the subsequent inflammatory response leading to byssinosis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Occupational Lung Diseases (Pneumoconiosis) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A key nursing role is obtaining a thorough occupational history from patients presenting with respiratory symptoms to identify potential workplace exposures.
Nurses are vital in educating workers in high-risk industries (like textiles) about the importance of using personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and respirators, and the need for adequate workplace ventilation to prevent dust inhalation.
What if? If a patient who is a sugarcane farmer presents with fever, cough, and breathlessness, the nurse should suspect Bagassosis instead of Byssinosis and inquire about exposure to moldy sugarcane.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of specific occupational diseases.
First, identify the key term in the question stem: "Cotton fiber".
Next, systematically review the options, recalling the causative agent for each disease.
Match "Cotton fiber" to Byssinosis.
Eliminate the other options by recalling their causes: Bagassosis (sugarcane), Silicosis (silica), and Asbestosis (asbestos).

Concept Tested & Keywords

QB0kjB5nItBWvCEDFLJiID

Practise the full ESIC Nursing Officer 2016 (Shift -2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.