An inflammation of the large airways found in workers exposed to cotton, flax, hemp dust, or coal. Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors Exposure to dusts, fumes, strong acids, and other chemicals cause this type of bronchitis .
Smoking is a contributing factor.
Occupational exposure to dust in the work place is a risk factor. Associated diseases include chronic bronchitis , coal worker's pneumoconiosis , silicosis , and asbestosis . The incidence is 1 out of 1,000 people. A physical examination reveals wheezing . The objective of treatment is to avoid the causative irritant .