J66: Airway disease due to specific organic dust

Airway disease due to specific organic dust, also known as J66, comprises a group of respiratory conditions caused by inhalation of certain types of organic dust. The source of the dust can vary, including materials from plants, animals, or fungi, and each can result in a different type of disease. Common symptoms across these diseases include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Overtime, exposure could lead to more chronic conditions like asthma or bronchitis. Disease progression typically begins with irritated airways, followed by inflammation, and can potentially lead to scarring or thickening of the lung tissue over prolonged exposure. The respiratory system is primarily affected, and the severity of condition usually corresponds with the extent and frequency of exposure to the organic dust. Such conditions often occur in occupational settings where organic dust is prevalent, making workers in these environments particularly susceptible.