Byssinosis is an occupational lung disease caused by dust from which material, and its characteristic symptom pattern is known as:

• A Silica dust; progressive massive fibrosis
• B Coal dust; black lung disease
• C Asbestos fibres; mesothelioma risk
• D Cotton/flax/hemp dust; Monday fever (chest tightness on return to work) ✓

Explanation

Byssinosis is caused by inhalation of cotton, flax, hemp, or jute dust and manifests as Monday fever — chest tightness, dyspnea, and wheezing on the first working day after a rest day (weekend), with symptoms improving as the week progresses. Pathogenesis involves dust-mediated histamine release and bronchospasm. Chronic exposure causes progressive airflow obstruction. Silicosis (quartz), coal worker's pneumoconiosis, and asbestosis are distinct pneumoconioses with different dust exposures and pathology.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.