[Byssinosis--an occupational disease of textile workers]

Byssinosis as a nonspecific chronic respiratory disease in textile workers exposed to cotton, hemp and flax is described. Pathogenesis and ethiologic factors responsible for bissynosis are listed. Clinical symptoms of byssinosis and differential diagnosis with occupational asthma are presented. Characteristic functional changes of ventilatory capacity in textile workers are described. Clinical and functional criteria for diagnosis of byssinosis are presented. Particular emphasis is given to preventive medical and technical measures in order to prevent the development of respiratory diseases in textile workers.