Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS) is an acute inflammatory condition of the lower respiratory tract. It is a flu-like illness caused by respiratory exposure to organic dust.
ODTS is classified as an inhalation fever, like polymer and metal fume fevers, and is caused by the innate immune system’s response to organic dust inhalation.
This reaction is not a specific response of the adaptive immune system and does not require prior sensitization.
Symptoms of Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome
The syndrome usually manifests within hours of being exposed to high levels of organic dust.
ODTS is a self-limited syndrome that includes the following symptoms: –
- Fever with chills.
- Malaise.
- Myalgia.
- Headache.
- Dyspnea.
- Chest tightness.
- Dry cough.
- Nausea.
Causes of Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome
ODTS is commonly observed in farmers and swine confinement workers after exposure to moldy grain, silage, hay, and wood chips.
Clusters of cases are commonly related to extremely high exposures (e.g., emptying silos).
Diagnosis of Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome
The diagnosis of ODTS relies heavily on a thorough occupational exposure history, with a focus on work activities over the previous 48 hours.
When patients were asked about their history, they frequently describe being exposed to organic dust through heavy inhalation, frequently without the use of a respirator.
The second step in diagnosing ODTS entails gathering comprehensive information about the patient’s current illness and performing a few specific medical tests.
Common complaints include chest tightness, a nonproductive cough, fever, chills, malaise, and headaches.
Auscultation of the thorax may be unremarkable if medical help is sought. Alternatively, rales may be heard.
The results of a lung function test may be normal or they may indicate a mild restriction and a reduction in carbon monoxide diffusing capacity.
Thoracic radiographs are usually normal but may reveal minor interstitial infiltrates.
Related: Physical Hazards in Occupational Health
Prevention of Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome
Reduce the exposure to moldy organic material.
For high-exposure activities, use personal protective equipment.
Farmworker education is particularly important because of the link to heavy exposure.
It is preferable to use engineering controls and best management practices to maintain the good air quality in swine confinement buildings to prevent both ODTS and the airway disease that is common among people who work in this environment.
Examples of engineering control to reduce the dust exposure of silo unloaders: –
Design the silo to allow for product turnover and to create an environment that is not favorable to microbial growth.
Construct the conveyor to prevent material spills and to effectively ventilate dust.
When filling trucks and railway cars with silage, use ventilated loading spouts.
Treatment of Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome
ODTS symptoms are usually self-limiting, and many affected individuals do not seek medical attention.
Acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are recommended treatments for ODTS-related fever and myalgia.
Individuals who develop respiratory failure should receive supportive care.
Summary
Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS) is an acute inflammatory condition of the lower respiratory tract. It is a flu-like illness caused by respiratory exposure to organic dust.
ODTS is classified as an inhalation fever, like polymer and metal fume fevers, and is caused by the innate immune system’s response to organic dust inhalation.
Symptoms of ODTS include Fever with chills malaise, myalgia, headache, dyspnea, chest tightness, dry cough, and nausea.
ODTS is commonly observed in farmers and swine confinement workers after exposure to moldy grain, silage, hay, and wood chips.
The diagnosis of ODTS relies heavily on a thorough occupational exposure history, with a focus on work activities over the previous 48 hours.
When patients were asked about their history, they frequently describe being exposed to organic dust through heavy inhalation, frequently without the use of a respirator.
The second step in diagnosing ODTS entails gathering comprehensive information about the patient’s current illness and performing a few specific medical tests.
To prevent ODTS you need to reduce exposure to moldy organic material, use personal protective equipment for high-exposure activities, educate farm workers, and use engineering controls and best management practices to maintain the good air quality in swine confinement buildings.
Acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are recommended treatments for ODTS-related fever and myalgia.
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References
- Non refereed diagnostic notes – AASV. (n.d.). Retrieved February 1, 2023, from American Association of Swine Veterinarians
- Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome: A Review. Taylor & Francis. (n.d.). Retrieved February 1, 2023, from Tandfonline
- Sadhra, S. S., Bray, A., & Boorman, S. (2022). Oxford Handbook of Occupational Health. Oxford University Press.
- Request for assistance in preventing organic dust toxic syndrome. (n.d.). Retrieved February 1, 2023, from CDC
