Tobacco workers lung illness is another name for green tobacco sickness (GTS). The majority of those affected by this illness are employed in the tobacco planting harvesting and processing sectors. It is characterized by signs such as headache nausea weakness and light-headedness which often surface upon skin contact with nicotine the main toxic component of tobacco. This disease may show on the skin in the form of red lumps or blisters for the workers of tobacco fields since the nicotine is absorbed through their skin especially when it`s wet from the dew or rain. Acute nicotine intoxication syndrome is the result of nicotine penetration of the skin into the blood that easily happens by causing poisoning.

Those who work closely with tobacco plants are the personnel most at risk of acquiring GTS. Every tobacco worker is susceptible to acquiring GTS while specific circumstances may keep them at a higher risk than others. This group includes workers who do tasks such as planting weeding harvesting and processing tobacco leaves.

Workers who handle tobacco can absorb nicotine transdermally when they encounter moist tobacco leaves especially when doing tasks like harvesting and processing. Because nicotine is lipid-soluble and absorbs when it does it has the potential to enter the bloodstream and pass through the epidermal barrier. Nicotine enters the circulation and rapidly spreads throughout the body. It may easily pass across blood-brain barriers and cell membranes to affect a variety of organs and systems.

When tobacco workers handle leaves they run the risk of absorbing nicotine through their skin which can have systemic consequences. This is particularly true in hot humid climates where tobacco is grown. Because wetness on the leaves improves skin absorption handling green tobacco leaves with high nicotine concentrations might result in considerable exposure. When exposed to damp environments such as dew-covered leaves or perspiration while working nicotine is quickly absorbed through the skin, entering the circulation and having systemic effects.

The duration and severity of nicotine exposure are two important prognostic variables for GTS.

Compared to people who have shorter or less intense exposures those who have extended or high-intensity exposures to wet tobacco leaves are more likely to experience severe symptoms. They could need more time to recover.

Age Group

It can affect individuals across various age groups, particularly those who work in the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of tobacco plants.

General appearance assessment

Skin Examination

Neurological Examination

Abdominal Examination

Respiratory Examination

GTS primarily manifests with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness following dermal exposure to nicotine.

Those who works in tobacco cultivation are at risk for addiction and drug use disorders due to the nicotine content in tobacco plants. In addition to the skin and gastrointestinal tract being the primary targets of GTS tobacco workers may also be susceptible to respiratory disorders because of dust allergens and other airborne pollutants they are exposed to in tobacco fields and processing facilities.

The onset of symptoms may occur within minutes to hours following contact with nicotine-containing plant material.

Nausea and vomiting are among the most common symptoms of GTS and often represent the initial presentation. Individuals may experience a sensation of nausea shortly after exposure to nicotine, followed by episodes of vomiting, which can occur repeatedly in severe cases.

Cessation of Exposure: Removing the affected person from additional exposure to tobacco plants that contain nicotine is the first step in treating GTS. This might entail putting a temporary stop to work in tobacco fields or taking steps to reduce skin contact with damp tobacco leaves.

Hydration: Due to vomiting and fluid losses brought on by gastrointestinal symptoms, people with GTS may become dehydrated. In situations of severe dehydration or electrolyte abnormalities, rehydration with oral fluids or intravenous hydration may be required.

Rest and Recovery: For people with GTS getting enough rest and recovery is crucial to symptom resolution and healing. Recommending that afflicted patients take a cold pleasant nap and refrain from physically demanding activities can speed up their recuperation and stop their symptoms from getting worse.

Skin Care: When exposed to nicotine people with GTS may develop skin irritation or dermatological problems

Pulmonary Medicine

Reducing the amount of nicotine exposure during tobacco growing operations can be achieved by making changes to work methods and processes.

Encouragement of employees to refrain from handling moist tobacco leaves especially in times of high humidity or precipitation can help lower the chance of nicotine exposure via the skin. Encouraging the use of hygiene stressing the importance of basic hygiene procedures will assist tobacco workers avoid GTS and lessen their chance of absorbing nicotine. Improving air circulation enhancing ventilation in businesses that produce tobacco can assist lower worker exposure to airborne pollutants and lower their chance of developing respiratory ailments. Tobacco workers can be protected by taking preventative measures

based on regular monitoring of environmental factors including temperature humidity and air quality. These factors can assist detect possible dangers.

Pulmonary Medicine

Prednisone

It may lessen inflammation by inhibiting PMN activity and reversing enhanced capillary permeability.

Prednisolone

It lowers inflammation by blocking the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and decreasing capillary permeability.

Pulmonary Medicine

There are interventions that can be used to address the condition and its symptoms even though Tobacco Workers Lung Disease also known as green tobacco sickness is primarily caused by dermal exposure to nicotine during the handling of tobacco plants and usually does not require invasive procedures for management.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Pulmonary Medicine

Identification and Diagnosis: The first step in managing GTS is identifying the symptoms and indicators of acute nicotine poisoning and making a diagnosis. Preventive Measures: To reduce future nicotine intake and stop the

recurrence of GTS efforts should be focused on putting preventive measures into place after the acute phase of therapy. Long-Term Monitoring and Follow-Up: People with a history of GTS may need long-term monitoring and follow-up to determine whether preventative interventions are successful and to check for symptom recurrence. workplace Health and Safety Measures: Preventing GTS in tobacco workers requires not only individual-focused management but also addressing workplace health and safety issues.