Hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis or extrinsic allergic alveolitis is a group of immunological diseases caused by the inhalation of organic-type substances.

There are more than 30 substances that can cause this type of pathology.

Its clinic is similar to the flu or pneumonia. It begins with fever, dyspnea that can become severe, retractions and/or cough.

The prognosis will depend on the duration of the disease, the type and intensity of exposure, the resulting pathological pulmonary changes (fibrosis and/or emphysema) and a possible genetic basis.

With proper treatment and avoiding contact with the antigen, symptoms improve. In cases in which pulmonary fibrosis has developed, the prognosis is worse.

Toxic syndrome caused by organic dust

It is an acute inflammation of the airways and alveoli, with symptoms typical of this situation, and that appears after exposure to organic dust in high doses. Its causal agents are various fungi, bacteria and derived agents.

byssinosis

Byssinosis is a narrowing of the airways from aspiration of unprocessed cotton, flax, and hemp particles.

The most common symptoms are wheezing and tightness in the chest, and they usually appear during the first day of work after a break. Unlike what happens in asthma, the symptoms after repeated exposure decrease.

Prolonged exposure increases the frequency of wheezing but does not lead to disabling disease.

For the diagnosis it is necessary to carry out a test that shows the decrease in lung capacity during the working day.

Occupational lung cancer.

It is estimated that around 10% of lung cancers may originate in the workplace due to exposure to carcinogenic substances.

The IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer), dependent on the WHO, has classified carcinogenic substances into different groups.

Lung cancer of occupational origin does not differ, in terms of clinical or pathological presentation, from that caused by other causes.

Asbestos is thought to be the most important occupational carcinogen in Spain. The risk of developing cancer after exposure to this substance increases significantly if it is accompanied by smoking.

Radon is another important carcinogen. It is found in poorly ventilated places such as underground mines, cellars, natural caves, tunnels...

Although in a doubtful way, silica can also be considered a carcinogenic substance.

Arsenic, present in metal mines, vineyards, copper works, leather manufactures..., can also cause lung cancer, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, typical of steel production industries, oil extraction, smoke of diesel engines...

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