Silicosis (patient information): Difference between revisions
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{{Silicosis (patient information)}} | |||
'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Silicosis|here]]''' | '''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Silicosis|here]]''' | ||
{{ | {{CMG}}; '''Assistant Editor-in-Chief:''' Alexandra M. Palmer | ||
==Overview== | |||
[[Silicosis]] is a [[respiratory disease]] caused by [[breathing]] in ([[inhaling]]) [[silica]] dust. | |||
==What are the symptoms of Silicosis?== | |||
*[[Chronic]] [[cough]] | |||
*[[Shortness of breath]] with [[exercise]], usually in patients who have progressive massive [[fibrosis]] | |||
Other symptoms of this [[disease]], especially in [[acute]] [[silicosis]]: | |||
*[[Cough]] | |||
*[[Fever]] | |||
*Severe [[breathing difficulty]] | |||
*[[Weight loss]] | |||
==What causes Silicosis?== | |||
[[Silica]] is a common, naturally-occurring [[crystal]]. It is found in most rock beds and forms dust during mining, quarrying, tunneling, and working with many metal ores. [[Silica]] is a main part of sand, so glass workers and sand-blasters are also exposed to [[silica]]. | |||
Three types of [[silicosis]] exist: | |||
*Simple [[chronic]] [[silicosis]] -- results from long-term exposure (more than 20 years) to low amounts of [[silica]] dust. [[Swellings]] caused by the [[silica]] dust form in the [[lungs]] and [[chest]] [[lymph nodes]]. This [[disease]] may cause people to have trouble [[breathing]]. | |||
*Accelerated [[silicosis]] -- occurs after exposure to larger amounts of [[silica]] over a shorter period of time (5 - 15 years). [[Swelling]] in the [[lungs]] and symptoms occur faster than in simple [[silicosis]]. | |||
*[[Acute]] [[silicosis]] -- results from short-term exposure to very large amounts of [[silica]]. The [[lungs]] become very inflamed and can fill with fluid, causing severe [[shortness of breath]] and low [[blood oxygen levels]]. | |||
[[Progressive massive fibrosis]] can occur in either simple or accelerated [[silicosis]], but is more common in the accelerated form. [[Progressive massive fibrosis]] is caused by severe [[scarring]] and destroys normal [[lung]] structures. | |||
Intense exposure to [[silica]] can cause [[disease]] within a year, but it usually takes at least 10 - 15 years of exposure before symptoms occur. [[Silicosis]] has become less common since the [[Occupational Safety and Health Administration]] ([[Osha|OSHA]]) created regulations requiring the use of protective equipment, which limits the amount of [[silica]] dust workers [[inhale]]. | |||
==Who is at highest risk?== | |||
People who work in jobs where they are exposed to [[silica]] dust are at risk. These jobs include: | |||
*Abrasives manufacturing | |||
*Mining | |||
*Quarrying | |||
*Road and building construction | |||
*Sand blasting | |||
*Stone cutting | |||
== | ==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ||
[[ | Call your [[health care provider]] if you are exposed to [[silica]] at work and you have [[symptoms]] of the [[disease]]. | ||
== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Your [[health care provider]] will take a [[medical history]] that includes many questions about your jobs (past and present), hobbies, and other activities that may have exposed you to [[silica]]. The [[health care provider]] will also do a [[physical exam]]. | |||
Tests to confirm the [[diagnosis]] and rule out similar [[diseases]] include: | |||
*[[Chest x-ray]] | |||
*[[Pulmonary function tests]] | |||
*[[Purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test]] (for [[tuberculosis]]) | |||
==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
There is no specific [[treatment]] for [[silicosis]]. Removing the source of [[silica]] exposure is important to prevent the [[disease]] from getting worse. Supportive [[treatment]] includes [[cough medicine]], [[bronchodilators]], and [[oxygen]] if needed. [[Antibiotics]] are prescribed for [[respiratory infections]] as needed. | |||
[[Treatment]] also includes limiting exposure to [[irritants]], quitting smoking, and having routine [[tuberculosis skin tests]]. | |||
People with [[silicosis]] are at high risk for developing [[tuberculosis]] ([[TB]]). [[Silica]] is believed to interfere with the body's [[immune response]] to the [[bacteria]] that causes [[TB]]. People with [[silicosis]] should have [[skin tests]] to check for exposure to [[TB]]. Those with a positive [[skin test]] should be treated with anti-[[TB]] [[drugs]]. Any change in the appearance of the [[chest x-ray]] may be a sign of [[TB]]. | |||
==Where to find medical care for Silicosis== | ==Where to find medical care for Silicosis?== | ||
[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|Silicosis}}}}&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.008093,112.148438&ie=UTF8&ll=37.0625,-95.677068&spn=91.690419,149.414063&z=2&source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating Silicosis] | [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|Silicosis}}}}&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.008093,112.148438&ie=UTF8&ll=37.0625,-95.677068&spn=91.690419,149.414063&z=2&source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating Silicosis] | ||
== | ==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== | ||
The outcome varies depending on the amount of damage to the [[lungs]]. | |||
== | ==Possible complications== | ||
*Increased risk for [[tuberculosis]] | |||
*[[Progressive massive fibrosis]] | |||
*[[Respiratory failure]] | |||
== | ==Prevention== | ||
If you work in a high-risk occupation or have a high-risk hobby, wear dust masks and do not smoke. You might also want to use other protection recommended by [[Osha|OSHA]], such as a [[respirator]]. | |||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000134.htm | |||
{{WH}} | {{WH}} | ||
{{WS}} | {{WS}} | ||
[[Category:Patient | |||
[[Category:Disease]] | |||
[[Category:Overview complete]] | |||
[[Category:Template complete]] | |||
[[Category:Patient information]] | |||
[[Category:Pulmonary patient information]] | |||
[[Category:Pulmonology]] | |||
[[Category:Occupational diseases]] | |||
Latest revision as of 22:48, 9 December 2011
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Silicosis |
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Silicosis On the Web |
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For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant Editor-in-Chief: Alexandra M. Palmer
Overview
Silicosis is a respiratory disease caused by breathing in (inhaling) silica dust.
What are the symptoms of Silicosis?
- Chronic cough
- Shortness of breath with exercise, usually in patients who have progressive massive fibrosis
Other symptoms of this disease, especially in acute silicosis:
What causes Silicosis?
Silica is a common, naturally-occurring crystal. It is found in most rock beds and forms dust during mining, quarrying, tunneling, and working with many metal ores. Silica is a main part of sand, so glass workers and sand-blasters are also exposed to silica.
Three types of silicosis exist:
- Simple chronic silicosis -- results from long-term exposure (more than 20 years) to low amounts of silica dust. Swellings caused by the silica dust form in the lungs and chest lymph nodes. This disease may cause people to have trouble breathing.
- Accelerated silicosis -- occurs after exposure to larger amounts of silica over a shorter period of time (5 - 15 years). Swelling in the lungs and symptoms occur faster than in simple silicosis.
- Acute silicosis -- results from short-term exposure to very large amounts of silica. The lungs become very inflamed and can fill with fluid, causing severe shortness of breath and low blood oxygen levels.
Progressive massive fibrosis can occur in either simple or accelerated silicosis, but is more common in the accelerated form. Progressive massive fibrosis is caused by severe scarring and destroys normal lung structures.
Intense exposure to silica can cause disease within a year, but it usually takes at least 10 - 15 years of exposure before symptoms occur. Silicosis has become less common since the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) created regulations requiring the use of protective equipment, which limits the amount of silica dust workers inhale.
Who is at highest risk?
People who work in jobs where they are exposed to silica dust are at risk. These jobs include:
- Abrasives manufacturing
- Mining
- Quarrying
- Road and building construction
- Sand blasting
- Stone cutting
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if you are exposed to silica at work and you have symptoms of the disease.
Diagnosis
Your health care provider will take a medical history that includes many questions about your jobs (past and present), hobbies, and other activities that may have exposed you to silica. The health care provider will also do a physical exam.
Tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out similar diseases include:
Treatment options
There is no specific treatment for silicosis. Removing the source of silica exposure is important to prevent the disease from getting worse. Supportive treatment includes cough medicine, bronchodilators, and oxygen if needed. Antibiotics are prescribed for respiratory infections as needed.
Treatment also includes limiting exposure to irritants, quitting smoking, and having routine tuberculosis skin tests.
People with silicosis are at high risk for developing tuberculosis (TB). Silica is believed to interfere with the body's immune response to the bacteria that causes TB. People with silicosis should have skin tests to check for exposure to TB. Those with a positive skin test should be treated with anti-TB drugs. Any change in the appearance of the chest x-ray may be a sign of TB.
Where to find medical care for Silicosis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Silicosis
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
The outcome varies depending on the amount of damage to the lungs.
Possible complications
- Increased risk for tuberculosis
- Progressive massive fibrosis
- Respiratory failure
Prevention
If you work in a high-risk occupation or have a high-risk hobby, wear dust masks and do not smoke. You might also want to use other protection recommended by OSHA, such as a respirator.
Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000134.htm Template:WH Template:WS