Block 5: Silicosis and Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis - Definitions, Diagnosis and Treatment.

DEFINITION OF PNEUMOCONIOSIS:

• Pneumoconiosis is defined as the reaction to inhaled dust retained in the lungs.
• Silicosis is documented as occurring in antiquity, for example in Egyptian mummies.
• Ramazzini alludes to the ailments of miners and other trades in 17 th century.
• Major mineral dusts causing the pneumoconioses are silica, coal dust and the silicates including asbestos. Hard metal (tungsten carbide) and other substances are less common causes.

DIAGNOSIS OF PNEUMOCONIOSIS:

The diagnosis of pneumoconiosis requires:

• An appropriate exposure history;
• Typical radiological changes associated with pneumoconiosis;

• Exclusion of other possible causes of the radiological abnormality:

  • Clinically or radiologically.
  • Tissue biopsy (seldom required to confirm the diagnosis).

TREATMENT OF PNEUMOCONIOSIS:

• Pneumoconiosis is untreatable.