title: Agricultural lung disease.
abstract: Agricultural work is associated with high rates of injury, disability, and illness. Agricultural workers are at increased risk for a variety of illnesses including respiratory disorders, dermatologic conditions, and cancer. The recognition of ODTS led to increased understanding of acute illness in farmers and grain workers. Previously, many cases of acute illness were probably erroneously called farmer's lung. The same agents that are responsible for ODTS are responsible for the high prevalence of bronchitis in certain agricultural workers. The recent description of the innate immune system is very exciting because it will lead to increased understanding of the pathogenesis of organic dust induced disorders.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha VA Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA. jspurzem@unmc.edu
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Spurzem
authors.forename: Debra J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Romberger
authors.forename: Susanna G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Von Essen
mesh_terms: D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*