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Silicosis Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

Silicosis is caused by extreme exposure to silica dust, commonly seen in ceramics, sandblasting, concrete, shipyard, or mine workers. Certain common materials that have the silica dust in them are: granite, marble, quartz, sand, gravel, sandstone, slate, concrete, brick, mortar, gunite, sandy soil and asphalt containing rock and stone. Bystanders near any of these materials being worked with are also at risk for harmful exposure if not properly protected and may require the assistance of a physician and a lawyer or attorney. The symptoms of Silicosis can be similar to those of Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, or other lung cancers and respiratory illnesses. These symptoms include: a shortness of breath (often exercise induced), chronic dry cough, sometimes a fever, weight loss, trouble sleeping, a bluish tint in finger and toe nails, chest pain and severe breathing difficulty if the Silicosis is acute. In order to diagnose Silicosis, a doctor will need an occupational history to determine if there was exposure, a pulmonary (lung) function test, chest x-rays, and maybe a final bronchoscopy (to positively identify suspicious areas on the x-rays).

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Silicosis, only the ability to relieve symptoms and to prevent respiratory infections or treat complications. Doctors will also carefully monitor the Silicosis patient for symptoms of Tuberculosis. Steam inhalation, increased fluid intake, oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, physical therapy and in acute patients, mechanical ventilators are all possible treatment options. It is imperative that Silicosis patients quit smoking, avoid crowd situations where they may be exposed to viruses and infections, get flu and pneumonia vaccinations, and try to stay active, but also pace themselves in daily activity so they are not over extended.

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