Silicosis is a common lung disease often caused by inhaling tiny particles of silica or silicon dioxide.According to UEW Healthcare, these three symptoms often identify a group of illnesses called pneumoconiosis. These illnesses caused by dust inhalation are work-related. These include diseases such as asbestos-related diseases. Although you can’t reverse or cure silicosis, your healthcare provider treats the condition.

Types

Over time, silica builds up in the breathing passages and lungs. This results in scarring, which makes it difficult to breathe. Here are common types of silicosis:

• Accelerated—Patients notice signs around 7 years after being heavily exposed to silica particles. This worsens very quickly.
• Chronic Issues don’t show up until two or three decades after exposure to moderate or low silica amounts. This is a common form of silicosis, and the symptoms can slowly worsen and be mild.
• Acute – Symptoms often happen several weeks or two years following exposure to large silica amounts.

Causes

If you work with materials with silica without the right protective gear, you will inhale dust particles. Although our bodies eliminate dust, your lungs won’t be able to cope with it if you work with products with a large silica amount and inhale silica dust for longer.

Diagnosis

There are specific tests for the disease, so it might take several doctor’s tests and visits to diagnose. During the visit, your doctor can inquire about breathing during exercise and rest. In addition, your doctor can inquire about your work history to know if you have ever been exposed to silica. During diagnosis, here are the details you will need to provide your doctor with:

• Medical records, including CT scans or X-rays
• Smoking history
• All your previous jobs
• Symptoms and when they started
• Treatments provided and how they help

Treatment

Silicosis has no cure, so the treatment is often focused on managing patients’ symptoms and determining whether the condition is worsening or not.

To manage the condition and prevent it from worsening, patients must eliminate exposure to silica. They must also avoid smoke, allergens, and other lung irritants, such as outdoor and indoor air pollution.

Although your medical doctor may help to manage all your symptoms, you may as well take the necessary steps to stay healthy by doing these:

• Have a good plan to manage the disease’s flare-ups
• Be vigilant
• Avoid respiratory infections
• Be active by exercising regularly

Prevention

Preventive measures minimize or eliminate exposure. One of the most effective primary preventions is using engineering controls to limit silica exposure. Preventive measures to avoid complications often include smoking cessation and vaccinations against influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococci. People who are exposed to silica are also at risk of getting tuberculosis or other mycobacterial infections, so they must undergo tuberculosis screening regularly.

In conclusion

consulting the right pulmonologist is important for evaluating disability, pulmonary function, and lung nodules. Treatment for conditions related to silicosis, including lung cancer, chronic kidney illness, and autoimmune disorders, is similar to that for patients without silicosis.