Occupational lung disease natural history, complications and prognosis

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: ;Hadeel Maksoud M.D.[2]

Overview

If left untreated, 30% of patients with occupational lung disease may progress to develop pleural effusion, interstitial lung fibrosis, and lung cancer. Common complications of of occupational lung disease include interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, progressive massive fibrosis, mesothelioma, and premature death. Depending on the extent of the disease progression at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis may vary. However, the prognosis is generally regarded as poor.

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis

Natural History

• The symptoms of occupational lung disease usually develop on average in the third decade of life, and start with symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and cough.
• The symptoms of occupational lung disease typically develop 30 years after exposure to an inhalant.
• If left untreated, 30% of patients with occupational lung disease may progress to develop pleural effusion, interstitial lung fibrosis, and lung cancer.

Complications

• Common complications of occupational lung disease include:
  • Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis
  • Progressive massive fibrosis
  • Mesothelioma
  • Lung cancer
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Toxemia
  • Cyanosis
  • Premature death

Prognosis

• Depending on the extent of the disease progression at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis may vary. However, the prognosis is generally regarded as poor.
• The presence of fibrosis is associated with a particularly poor prognosis among patients with occupational lung disease.