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Farmer's lung causes

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Shaik Aisha sultana, [2]


Overview

Overview

Farmer’s lung disease is caused by inhaling the spores of the fungus from stored food grains or moldy hay.

Causes

Causes

  • Mold spores which are produced by micro organisms which grow in baled hay, stored grain, or silage with a high moisture content (30 percent) are main causes of Farmer’s Lung. They become active when temperatures reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit in poorly ventilated areas.
  • Farmer’s Lung is also more common on dairy farms, especially those not equipped with automated equipment for handling hay or feed.
  • Heavy concentrations of mold spores appear as a dry, white or gray powder in grain or forage. When the feed is moved, billions of these microscopic sized particles become airborne and attach themselves to dust.
  • These particles pass through the nose, hair, and throat, mucous and accumulate in the lungs where they can cause an allergic type of pneumonia.
  • Organic antigens-thermophilic actinomycetes[1]
  • Inorganic substances- isocyanate


References

References

  1. Warren CP (February 1977). “Lung disease in farmers”. Can Med Assoc J. 116 (4): 391–4. PMC 1879238. PMID 321110.

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