Chalicosis
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Chalicosis | |
---|---|
Other names | Flint disease |
Respirology |
Chalicosis is a form of
The term is from Greek, χάλιξ, gravel.Risk factors
Occupations with significant exposure to stone dust are at an increased risk of chalicosis include:
- Miners[3][1]
- Quarry workers[3][4]
- Pottery and porcelain casters[3][1]
- Tunneller/tunnel workers[3]
- Foundry workers[3]
- Plasterers[4]
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of chalicosis are slow to develop and thus patients may not show signs of incapacity until years after exposure.[4] It may even take up to 10 years before manifestations of the disorder are present.[3] Signs and symptoms include:
- Chronic, non-productive cough[3]
- Expelled matter, such as phlegm, from the throat or lungs stained gray, black, or red[4]
- Wheezing[3]
- Loss of appetite[1]
- Fatigue[1]
- Emaciation[1]
- Soreness in stomach region[1]
- General malaise[1]
Treatment and Prevention
There is no definitive cure for chalicosis,[5] nor is there a specific targeted therapy.[3] Current treatment of this lung disorder primarily involves managing respiratory symptoms, associated comorbidities, and complications, with the overarching goal of enhancing the patient's quality of life.[5][3] These include:
Acute pharmacotherapies
- Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that can be used for acute management of chalicotic symptoms.[3][5]They are not recommended for chronic management.[3]
Chronic pharmacotherapies
- Whole lung lavage uses saline solution to wash out lodged particles in the lungs.[5]
- Bronchodilators dilate the bronchi and bronchioles to increase airflow to the lungs.[5][3]
- Oxygen therapy or supplemental oxygen is a medical treatment that provides extra oxygen, often to prevent complications of chronic hypoxemia.[3][5]
- Pulmonary rehabilitation is a therapeutic concept which utilizes a series of services to aid improved breathing.[5]
- Antifibrotics.[3]
- Smoking cessation.[3]
- Lung transplantation is a last resort in which one lung, both, or damaged lung tissue are replaced with a donor during a surgical procedure.[5]
References
- ^ ISSN 0098-7484.
- ^ "The Free Medical Dictionary:chalicosis".
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s "Chalicosis". wikidoc. November 19, 2018. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
- ^ .
- ^ a b c d e f g h Kerkar, Pramod (October 4, 2014). "Chalicosis or Flint's Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention". Epainassist - Useful Information for Better Health. Retrieved January 22, 2024.