Baritosis
| Baritosis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Barium | |
| Specialty | Pulmonology  |
Baritosis is a
benign type of pneumoconiosis, which is caused by long-term exposure to the dust of insoluble compounds of barium, such as ground baryte
ore.
The disease may develop after few months of exposure. Barium compounds have a high
lymph nodes
can be very opaque but not enlarged. After cessation of exposure, there is a gradual clearing of the opacities.
Symptoms and signs
- Cough
- Wheezing
- Nasal irritation
In some cases, it is asymptomatic.[citation needed]
Diagnosis
The particles of barium compounds can be seen as opaque shadows on the chest X-rays of people with baritosis. However, being a benign condition, it neither interferes with lung function nor causes symptoms other than a mild cough.[citation needed]
After exposure to barium compounds dust ceases, the X-ray abnormalities gradually resolve.[1]
Treatment
Once diagnosis has been confirmed, the most effective treatment is to eliminate exposure to barium compounds dust. When a persistent cough is present,
NSAIDs
may be used to help reduce irritation and inflammation.
References
- PMID 1257935.
- http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/b/baritosis/intro.htm
- https://www.epainassist.com/chest-pain/lungs/baritosis