lung and airway disorders
Byssinosis
Introduction
Byssinosis is a narrowing of the airways (asthma-like syndrome) caused by inhaling cotton, flax, or hemp particles. Byssinosis may cause shortness of breath, wheezing, and tightness in the chest, usually on the first day of work after a break. The diagnosis is made by using a test that shows decreasing lung function over the course of a workday. Exposure should be stopped, then wheezing and chest tightness can be treated with medications used for asthma. (See also Overview of Environmental and Occupational Lung Disease .) 