Industrial bronchitis
Definition:
An inflammation of the large airways found in workers exposed to cotton, flax, hemp dust, or coal.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Exposure to dusts, fumes, strong acids, and other chemicals cause this type of bronchitis. Smoking is a contributing factor. Occupational exposure to dust in the work place is a risk factor. Associated diseases include chronic bronchitis, coal worker's pneumoconiosis, silicosis, and asbestosis. The incidence is 1 out of 1,000 people.
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