Disease caused by cotton is: September 2005
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the student's knowledge of an occupational disease caused by a specific material. The underlying concept is the pathophysiology of lung diseases related to inhalation of fibers.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is Byssinosis, also known as brown lung disease. It is an occupational lung disease caused by the inhalation of cotton dust. The disease is characterized by chronic inflammation and bronchospasm, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. **Byssinosis is caused by the inhalation of cotton fibers, which trigger an inflammatory response in the lungs, leading to airway obstruction and respiratory symptoms.**
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because the disease caused by cotton is not silicosis, which is caused by the inhalation of silica dust.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because the disease caused by cotton is not asbestosis, which is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because the disease caused by cotton is not coal miners' pneumoconiosis, which is caused by the inhalation of coal dust.
* **Option D:** This option is incorrect because the disease caused by cotton is not bagassosis, which is caused by the inhalation of bagasse dust.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Byssinosis is a preventable disease, and its incidence has decreased significantly in countries where workplace safety regulations are enforced. Students should remember that occupational lung diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
**Correct Answer: D. Bagassosis is caused by the inhalation of bagasse dust, not cotton dust.