Causes of Farmer's Lung

What Causes Farmer’s Lung?

Farmer’s Lung is caused by an allergic reaction to spores and microbes within dusts that grow and accumulate on mouldy or damp crops such as hay or straw. But it can also be triggered by dust in other substances, also commonly found on or around farms. These can include:

• Animal Dander (dead skin, urine and faeces that collects within animal fur)
• Bird Droppings
• Dried rodent urine
• Feathers
• Fungi
• Wood
• Bark
• Insects
• Husks
• Bacteria

Certain activities and procedures within agriculture and horticulture may increase the risk of the dust getting into the environment and then being breathed in. These include:

• Moving products such as hay, straw or grain around the premises
• Transferring products for transportation from the premises
• Cleaning silos
• Feeding livestock
• Maintaining plant and equipment
• Cleaning vehicles / buildings / plant and equipment

Because the particles are so small, they can pass between the protective hairs in our nose and throat and get directly into the lungs. The natural reaction of the lungs is to try and get rid of the dust and it is at this point that the immune system gets involved.

When you breathe in the dust for the first time it is unlikely that you will notice any problems at all. Some people might find themselves displaying some symptoms of Farmer’s Lung after a large exposure or several, smaller exposure situations. When the dust enters the lungs the tiny air sacs (alveoli) become inflamed as the body sends in white blood cells to fight the potential infection.

If this happens just once, or very occasionally, it is likely that the lungs will recover fully. It is when the situation occurs more frequently that the problems arise; as repeated inhalation will lead to continued inflammation of the lung, at which point scarring can become a risk and permanent damage to the lung is likely.

It can take several months or even years for the allergy to develop, but once it has had a chance to get established, there is no cure, although there are some remedies and treatments to help alleviate or reduce some of the symptoms.

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