What is an Organic Dust Toxicity Syndrome

Organic dust toxicity syndrome, also called grain fever, is an illness that causes fatigue, fever, chills, and muscle aches and pains.

It often occurs in people who work in grain elevators and those with heavy exposure to organic dusts. Organic dusts are tiny dust particles that come from hay, grain, straw, and livestock animals.

The condition is not an infection. It is the reaction of your body’s defense system (immune system) to the bacteria and fungi that are growing in the dust.

Organic dust toxicity syndrome is not contagious. This means that it cannot be passed from person to person.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by breathing in fungi, bacterial toxins, or contaminants in organic dust.

What increases the risk?

You are more likely to develop this condition if you:

• Are a farmer or agricultural worker who is exposed to organic dusts. Your risk increases if the dust is old or moldy.
• Work in an area that is not well ventilated.
• Do not wear a mask to protect your breathing.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms usually start within 12 hours of breathing in organic dust. They may include:

• Fever.
• Tightness in your chest.
• Chills.
• Dry cough.
• Muscle aches.
• Headache.
• Fatigue.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on your symptoms and a history of recent exposure to organic dusts. Your health care provider may also do a physical exam, a chest X-ray, or a blood test.

How is this treated?

The condition usually goes away after a few days. The goal of treatment is to relieve your symptoms. Treatment may include resting at home and taking over-the-counter medicines for aches and fever.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Rest as directed by your health care provider.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your symptoms do not get better or go away in a few days.
• Your chest feels tighter.
• Your muscle aches are increasing.
• You have worsening:
  • Chills.
  • Cough.
  • Fever.
  • Headache.
  • Fatigue.

Summary

• Organic dust toxicity syndrome, also called grain fever, is an illness that causes fatigue, fever, chills, and muscle aches and pains.
• It often occurs in people who work in grain elevators and those with heavy exposure to organic dusts. Organic dusts are made up of tiny dust particles that come from hay, grain, straw, and livestock animals.
• The condition is caused by breathing in fungi, bacterial toxins, or contaminants in organic dust.
• The condition usually goes away after a few days. The goal of treatment is to relieve your symptoms. Treatment may include resting at home and taking over-the-counter medicines for aches and fever.