HOW DOES FARMERS LUNG AFFECT THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM?
The disease causes shortness of breath and a feeling of general illness, either in a sudden attack or as a slow, progressive disease. When people with Farmer’s Lung can avoid breathing in dust from moldy crops or feed, they seldom have further problems. On the other hand, lengthy exposure can cause permanent lung damage, physical disability, or even death. Usually, people with Farmer’s Lung do not associate their health problem with exposure to moldy hay. Instead, they go to their doctor complaining of breathing problems. It is important to recognize the danger of working with moldy crops and to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of Farmer’s Lung. This enables people with symptoms to get medical help before it becomes a serious illness. WHAT CAUSES FARMER’S LUNG? Mold spores which are produced by micro organisms which grow in baled hay, stored grain, or silage with a high moisture content (30 percent) are main causes of Farmer’s Lung. They become active when temperatures reach
