Silo Fillers Disease -

Last updated 1/17/03

Presentation

Patients initially develops airway inflammation, pneumonia and pulmonary edema

Present with dyspnea, cough, chest pain, cyanosis, nausea, and vomiting

Extensive bronchitis obliterans: may occur 10-31 days later in those who survive the initial effects of exposure

Pathophysiology

Microbes ferment the contents of just filled silos and turn nitrates into nitrogen dioxide and tetroxide

Once the nitrogen dioxide and tetroxide enter lungs through inhalation, they combine with water in the airways generating airway inflammation, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema

Several hours delay occurs between exposure and the onset of symptoms. But very high-levels of exposure may rapidly cause death

Treatment & Prevention

Farmers should stay out of silos until the 3rd day after filling. A blower should run 30 minutes or more in the silo. A respiratory and safety lines and harness should be used if it is necessary to enter the silo before

Because of the possibility of bronchitis obliterans, cortico-steroids should be started immediately and continued at lease 8 weeks.