Which of the following is a bronchopulmonary disease caused by the inhalation of fibrous residue of sugarcane?

Appeared in: AIIMS BBSR SNO - 2019

Explanation

Bagassosis is the specific medical term for the lung disease caused by inhaling dust from sugarcane residue.
The residue from crushed sugarcane is called 'bagasse'. The name of the disease, Bagassosis, is directly derived from this term.
It is classified as a hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an immune system disorder where the lungs become inflamed after inhaling certain dusts, fungi, or chemicals.
Symptoms include breathlessness, cough, and fever, which can progress to chronic lung fibrosis if exposure continues.

Option A: Silicosis is caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust, not sugarcane residue.
Option B: Asbestosis is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which are minerals used in construction and insulation, not organic plant matter.
Option C: Byssinosis, also known as 'brown lung disease', is caused by inhaling dust from cotton, flax, or hemp fibers.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Occupational Lung Diseases (Pneumoconiosis) helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
A key nursing responsibility is taking a thorough occupational history. Asking a patient with respiratory symptoms 'What kind of work do you do?' can provide critical clues for diagnosing conditions like Bagassosis.
Nurses should educate at-risk workers about the importance of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as masks and respirators, to prevent inhalation of harmful dust.
Early recognition of symptoms (cough, dyspnea, fever) and removal from exposure are crucial to prevent the progression from acute inflammation to irreversible chronic lung fibrosis.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'fibrous residue of sugarcane'.
Recognize that the medical term for this residue is 'bagasse'.
Scan the options for a term that relates to 'bagasse'.
The option 'Bagassosis' has a clear etymological link to 'bagasse', making it the most logical choice.
Briefly recall the causes of the other options (Silicosis from silica, Asbestosis from asbestos, Byssinosis from cotton dust) to confirm they are incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QFYCMSrCWtB2CR2Jc5c-CC

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart B (pp 233-449 of 464) pp. 124-126, 123-125

Practise the full AIIMS BBSR SNO - 2019

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