What is Silicosis?

Silicosis is a type of pneumoconiosis - a lung disease caused by inhalation of mineral dust. It is caused by inhalation of minute silica particles. Silicosis has been known to be an occupational lung disease since the ancient times.

The term silicosis stems from the Latin word silex, for flint or sand.

Acute silicosis results form excessive exposure to silica dust. When the progression of silicosis causes massive fibrosis, it is called Chronic silicosis.

Who is likely to develop Silicosis?

Siliocis is an occupational respiratory disease. Some of the occupations that are inherently risky include: Cement manufacturing, Chipping, Construction industry, Crushing stone, Cutting or shaping heat-resistant bricks, Drilling machine operators, Glass factory workers, Grinding pottery, Foundry work, Hard coal miners, Knife sharpeners, Mining or tunneling, Quarrying, Sandblasting, Stone carvers, and Stone masons. Silicosis primarily affects male workers, reflecting the greater occupational hazards they have historically faced in industrial settings.

What are the Symptoms of Silicosis Lung Disease?

Simple silicosis is often asymptomatic. As the disease progresses, the following symtoms may be present: Chronic productive cough, Exertional dyspnea, Fever, Malaise, Cyanosis, Tachypnea, and Unexplained weight-loss.

Treatment for Silicosis:

• Corticosteroids,
• Influenza Vaccine and Pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine,
• Preventing further exposure to silica dust,
• Smoking cessation, and
• Whole-lung lavage.

Preventing Silicosis:

Silicosis can be prevented by making use of appropriate respiratory protective masks, wet drilling, dust filteration, and by maintaining positive air pressure in climate controlled cabs.

Silicosis Prognosis / Mortality Rates:

In case of severe silicosis, patients suffer from significantly diminished airflow, resulting in dyspnea and chronic cough. Silicosis patients are at increased risk of developing tuberculosis. When silicosis and tuberculosis both coexist, the resultant condition is called silicotuberculosis. Prognosis for patients suffering from silicotuberculosis lung disease is usually quite poor.

Don't forget to check out Lung Disease News section of this website for the latest Silicosis Treatment News and our Lung Disease Articles Library for the latest Silicosis related Articles.

Note: Consult a qualified medical practitioner if you suspect lung disease. Information published at this mesothelioma lung disease asbestos cancer forum - or most other websites for that matter - should not be relied upon for health decisions. The information presented on this web site is not intended as a substitute for medical care, medical, legal, or professional advise. Please talk with your healthcare provider for all your health concerns.