Byssinosis, an occupational lung disease caused by cotton dust exposure, is characterized by its symptom pattern as:

• A Progressive dyspnea equally severe throughout the working week
• B Symptoms only on exposure to synthetic fibers
• C Hemoptysis and bilateral upper lobe fibrosis
• D Symptoms worst on the first working day after a holiday ('Monday morning disease') ✓

Explanation

Byssinosis ('Monday fever' or 'Monday morning chest tightness') is characterized by chest tightness and dyspnea that is most severe on the first day of the working week (Monday) after the weekend rest period, improving or disappearing later in the week as tolerance (tachyphylaxis) develops. Caused by endotoxin and cotton dust inhalation causing bronchospasm. Chronic byssinosis can progress to irreversible obstruction.

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.