What are Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis & Byssinosis? (Also Known as Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis)
Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis such as Farmers Lung & Mushroom Workers Lung is induced by the inhalation of biologic dusts (e.g. from hay, mushroom compost or other agricultural products). Allergic Alveolitis results in an inflammatory immune response leading to acute Bronchitis, acute fever, headache, breathlessness & weight loss. Long term effects include Chronic Bronchitis & chronic fever, headache, breathlessness & weight loss.
As the names suggest (Farmers Lung, Mushroom Workers Lung) the people most at risk are farm workers, live stock workers, workers with mushroom compost, livestock feed etc.
Byssinosis also called "brown lung disease”, is an occupational lung disease. Byssinosis is caused by exposure to the endotoxins produced by the bacteria on cotton dust, flax, hemp, or jute.
Byssinosis commonly occurs in textiles workers and causes a narrowing of the airways (similar to asthma). Long term exposure results in scarring of the lung tissue & permanent impairment of lung function.
What should I do if I am suffering from an Industrial Lung Disease such as Allergic Alveolitis or Byssinosis?
The first step would be to call us so we can assess your claim for compensation and advise you on whether you will be eligible to claim.
The second step is to go see your GP who will need to establish a relationship between your symptoms and possible exposure. Breathlessness is a key symptom & Lung function tests will probably be performed alongside a CT scan & chest X-ray.
Further to this any medical(s) instigated by our solicitors will cost you nothing, they will be paid for by the solicitor and claimed back as a disbursement from the other side.
