Byssinosis not brown. Brown lung can ultimately result in narrowing of the airways, lung scarring and death from infection or respiratory failure. Patient history should reveal exposure to cotton, flax, hemp, or jute dust. Diagnostic tests include a lung function test and a chest x ray or CT scan. Measurable change in lung function before and after working shifts is key to diagnosis. Patients suffering from byssinosis show a significant drop in FEV1 over the course of work shift. Chest radiographs show areas of opacity due to fibrosis of the pulmonary parenchyma. Affected workers should be offered alternative employment. Continued exposure
Madras motor neuron disease disease. Madras motor neuron disease (MMND) is a motor neuron disease affecting primarily lower motor neurons. It is similar to Monomelic amyotrophy and primarily affects young adults in southern India. Authors of a large case study, published in 2008, proposed that MMND be divided into two categories: spontaneously-arising MMND and Familial Madras Motor Neuron Disease (FMMND). Using this method, cases in which the disease is inherited would be categorized as FMMND, while cases that displayed no genetic linkage would be categorized as spontaneously-arising MMND. According to the same study, there is a variant form known as MMNDV, which is classified