Bagassosis
is a rare occupational lung disease and a specific form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) . It is caused by inhaling dust from bagasse , the fibrous residue left after juice is extracted from sugarcane. Key Characteristics
The disease is an allergic reaction to thermophilic actinomycetes (typically Thermoactinomyces vulgaris ) that grow in moldy, stored bagasse. bagassosis
The clinical picture often mimics other respiratory conditions like miliary tuberculosis. is a rare occupational lung disease and a
It primarily affects workers in industries that use bagasse for manufacturing paper, cardboard, hardboard, insulation, or as fuel in brick-kilns. Bagassosis - StatPearls - NCBI - NIH While
Symptoms typically appear hours or weeks after exposure and often improve when away from the workplace (e.g., weekends). Bagassosis - StatPearls - NCBI - NIH
While once common in the southern United States (especially Louisiana) and Puerto Rico, modern industrial organization has made it rare. Today, cases are more frequently reported in countries with large, unorganized sugarcane sectors, such as India. Clinical Features
Rapid onset of breathlessness (dyspnea), cough, fever, chills, weakness, and weight loss. Chest pain and hemoptysis (coughing up blood) may also occur.