Occupational lung disease (patient information)
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What is Coalworker's pneumoconiosis?
Coalworker's pneumoconiosis is a lung disease that results from breathing in dust from coal, graphite, or man-made carbon over a long period of time.
What are the symptoms of Coalworker's pneumoconiosis?
What causes Coalworker's pneumoconiosis?
Coalworker's pneumoconiosis occurs in two forms: simple and complicated (progressive massive fibrosis, or PMF).
Your risk of developing the disease depends on how long you have been around the coal dust. Most people with this disease are older than 50. Smoking does not increase your risk of developing this disease, but it may have an additional harmful effect on the lungs.
If complicated coalworker's pneumoconiosis occurs along with rheumatoid arthritis, it is called Caplan syndrome.
Who is at risk for Coalworker's pneumoconiosis?
How do I know I have Coalworker's pneumoconiosis?
The doctor will perform a physical exam and listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. A chest x-ray will be taken.
When to seek urgent medical care
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of coalworker's pneumoconiosis.
Treatment options
There is no specific treatment for this disorder. You should avoid further exposure to the dust.
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Coalworker's pneumoconiosis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Coalworker's pneumoconiosis
Prevention of Coalworker's pneumoconiosis
Wear a protective mask when working around coal, graphite, or man-made carbon. Companies should enforce the maximum permitted dust levels.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)
The outcome for the simple form is usually good. It rarely causes disability or death. The complicated form may cause shortness of breath that gets progressively worse.