Pneumoconiosis

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Pneumoconiosis
ferruginous bodies), a type of pneumoconiosis. H&E stain.
SpecialtyPulmonology

Pneumoconiosis is the general term for a class of

shipbreaking; sandblasting; industrial tasks; rock drilling (subways or building pilings);[6] or agriculture.[7][8] It is one of the most common occupational diseases in the world.[9]

Types

Depending upon the type of dust, the disease is given different names:

Pathogenesis

The reaction of the lung to mineral dusts depends on many variables, including size, shape, solubility, and reactivity of the particles.[13] For example, particles greater than 5 to 10 μm are unlikely to reach distal airways, whereas particles smaller than 0.5 μm move into and out of alveoli, often without substantial deposition and injury.[14] Particles that are 1 to 5 μm in diameter are the most dangerous, because they lodge at the bifurcation of the distal airways. Coal dust is relatively inert, and large amounts must be deposited in the lungs before lung disease is clinically detectable. Silica, asbestos, and beryllium are more reactive than coal dust, resulting in fibrotic reactions at lower concentrations. Most inhaled dust is entrapped in the mucus blanket and rapidly removed from the lung by ciliary movement. However, some of the particles become stuck at alveolar duct bifurcations, where macrophages accumulate and engulf the trapped particulates. The pulmonary alveolar macrophage is a key cellular element in the initiation and perpetuation of lung injury and fibrosis. Many particles activate the inflammasome and induce IL-1 production. The more reactive particles trigger the macrophages to release a number of products that mediate an inflammatory response and initiate fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition. Some of the inhaled particles may reach the lymphatics either by direct drainage or within migrating macrophages and thereby initiate an immune response to components of the particulates and/or to self-proteins that are modified by the particles. This then leads to an amplification and extension of the local reaction. Tobacco smoking worsens the effects of all inhaled mineral dusts, more so with asbestos than with any other particle.[7]

Diagnosis

Typical indications on patient assessment include:[15]

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness
  • Chest X-ray may show a characteristic patchy, subpleural, bibasilar interstitial infiltrates or small cystic
    radiolucencies called honeycombing, particularly in advanced disease.[16][17][18][19]

Pneumoconiosis in combination with multiple pulmonary

Epidemiology

The prevalence as of 2021 of pneumoconiosis is around 527,500 cases, with over 60,000 new patients reported globally in 2017. Prevalence has trended somewhat downward since 2015.[2] The mortality of pneumoconiosis patients remained at a high level in recent years, with over 21,000 deaths each year since 2015.[2] It is likely that pneumoconiosis is under-diagnosed and under-reported, especially in countries without highly developed healthcare systems.[2]

Treatment and Prognosis

Lung damage due to pneumoconiosis cannot be reversed.[22] However, some steps can slow down disease progression and relieve symptoms. These include the prescription of medications and breathing treatments to open airways and reduce inflammation.[22] Pulmonary rehabilitation and supplemental oxygen may also be recommended.[22] A lung transplant may be needed in cases of serious diseases. If the patient smokes, smoking cessation is also important.[22] Regular testing, such as X-rays or lung function tests, may be indicated to monitor disease progression.

Prevention

To reduce the likelihood of developing pneumoconiosis, individuals working in affected industries should wear a mask, wash skin that comes in contact with dust, remove dust from clothing and wash the face and hands before eating or drinking.[22] In addition, governments often regulate industry, especially mines, to limit how much dust is in the air.[23] In the United States, coal miners injured by pneumoconiosis and their families may receive monthly payments and medical benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act.[24]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Pneumoconioses | NIOSH | CDC". www.cdc.gov. 2022-03-21. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
  2. ^
    PMID 33879753
    .
  3. , retrieved 2022-04-01
  4. .
  5. .
  6. ^ Shih, Gerry (15 December 2019). "They built a Chinese boomtown. It left them dying of lung disease with nowhere to turn". New York Times. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
  7. ^
    ISBN 978-1-4377-1781-5.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link
    )
  8. .
  9. ^ DeLight, Navina (2020). Pneumoconiosis. StatPearls.
  10. ^ "Silicosiderosis". NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). Retrieved 2022-04-01.
  11. ^ "Silicosiderosis | Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) – an NCATS Program". rarediseases.info.nih.gov. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
  12. ^ "Baritosis | Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) – an NCATS Program". rarediseases.info.nih.gov. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
  13. PMID 10741774
    .
  14. .
  15. ^ "Diagnosing and Treating Pneumoconiosis". www.lung.org. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
  16. PMID 16418244
    .
  17. .
  18. .
  19. .
  20. ^ Andreoli, Thomas, ed. CECIL Essentials of Medicine. Saunders: Pennsylvania, 2004. p. 737.
  21. ^ "Rheumatoid pneumoconiosis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia". medlineplus.gov. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
  22. ^ a b c d e "Pneumoconiosis Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors". www.lung.org. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
  23. ^ Office, U. S. Government Accountability. "Mine Safety: Reports and Key Studies Support the Scientific Conclusions Underlying the Proposed Exposure Limit for Respirable Coal Mine Dust". www.gao.gov. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
  24. ^ "General | U.S. Department of Labor". www.dol.gov. Retrieved 2022-04-01.

Further reading

  • Cochrane, A.L.; Blythe, M. (1989). One Man's Medicine, an autobiography of Professor Archie Cochrane. London: BMJ Books. .

External links