Occupational lung disease (patient information)

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant Editor(s)-in-Chief: Alexandra M. Palmer

Overview

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?

• Chronic cough
• Shortness of breath

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 highest risk?

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.

When to seek urgent medical care

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of coalworker's pneumoconiosis.

Diagnosis

The doctor will perform a physical exam and listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. A chest x-ray will be taken.

Treatment options

There is no specific treatment for this disorder. You should avoid further exposure to the dust.

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.

Possible complications

Complications may include:

• Cor pulmonale (failure of the right side of the heart)
• Lung Cancer
• Pulmonary tuberculosis
• Respiratory failure

Sources

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000130.htm