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Farmer’s Lung
Farmer’s Lung is an allergy that has been caused by a person breathing in the dust from hay that is moldy. In fact, the dust from any moldy farm crop such as straw, silage, corn, grain or possibly tobacco can contribute to getting Farmer’s Lung. The official names for Farmer’s lung are “hypersensitivity alveolitis” or “extrinsic allergic alveolitis”. This means inflammation of the alveoli of the lungs.
Farmer’s lung occurs in agricultural circles where allergy-causing dust is present. It can also occur in other workplace environments where allergy-causing dusts are found circulating in the air.
The disease affects an individual by causing shortness of breath along with malaise (a feeling of generalized sickness) that can either come by means of a sudden attack or can show up as a slower progressive sickness. Those with farmer’s lung can avoid breathing the allergic dust and can resolve their symptoms. Similarly, prolonged exposure can result in long term lung damage with physical disability or death.
Causes of Disease
The disease is caused by breathing in allergenic dust that contains the spores of heat-tolerant bacteria or molds found on crops that are moldy. The particular molds are known as Micropolyspora faeni, Aspergillus, or Thermoactinomyces vulgaris. In parts of the world where crops are created in wet, rainy weather, the crops heat up while in storage. The heat-tolerant bacteria or molds multiply rapidly and spoil the crops. When the spoiled hay dries, it crumbles easily and becomes extremely dusty. The dust contains the spores of the bacteria and people breathe in the spores. They go in the innermost aspects of the lungs and reach the alveoli.
These spores that cause the condition are actually not infectious. They are instead allergic and affect the immune system. The immune system sees the particles as antigens and an immune response is created against them. Farmer’s lung is a two step process. Initially, the body forms antibodies against the spores that circulate and attack the antigens. After a while the antibodies quickly bind to the antigens and begin an inflammatory process. White blood cells move in on the antigens and release chemicals that increase the flow of blood and destroy surrounding lung tissue. Swelling occurs along with inflammation and lung damage.
The incidence of Farmer’s lung is about 2 to 10 percent of farm workers and it depends on the area. In certain regions of farmland, the rate is as high as 20 to 40 percent of farmers. The disease manifests itself most commonly in areas of damp weather near the time of harvest. It is also more commonly seen on dairy farms where a great deal of hay is carried around, and grain is stored to feed the livestock.
Who Gets Farmer’s Lung
Those who get farmer’s lung are usually adults who frequently breathe in dust from hay that is moldy or crops that are moldy. Interestingly, children rarely come down with the disease. The degree of risk for farmer’s lung is the amount of total dust that has collected in an individual’s lungs. Loose hay in the field rarely affects the lungs. On the other hand, hay in bales that has gotten moldy or warm can easily cause Farmer’s lung. Inhaling the dust in an enclosed place makes it all worse. Any inhalation of dust from a stable can cause Farmer’s lung.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of farmer’s lung vary from person to person. When it is extreme, it manifests itself as sudden lung attacks. When it is mild, the disease becomes slow and progressive. It all depends on the specific sensitivity of the exposed individual and the amount of dust they are exposed to.
Treatment
The first step in the treatment of farmer’s lung is to avoid any further exposure to toxic mold. Bed rest is a good idea and oxygen therapy is recommended for many. There are medications that can control some of the symptoms.
One method of treatment is to use the antioxidant glutathione, which is diminished in many forms of lung disease. The dose is given by means of bronchioalveolar lavage.
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