There is no specific treatment for silicosis. Removing the source of silica exposure is important to prevent the disease from getting worse. Supportive treatment includes cough medicine, bronchodilators, and oxygen if needed. Antibiotics are prescribed for respiratory infections as needed.
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Which medications are used in the treatment of silicosis?
Immunize patients against influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia. No specific therapy for silicosis cures or alters the course of the disease. Corticosteroids may be of benefit in acute silicosis.In chronic silicosis, they are unlikely to be of benefit, although pulmonary function improvement was noted in one study.
How can silicosis be prevented?
Awareness and planning are keys to prevention of silicosis. Use the dust collection systems available for many types of dust-generating equipment. When purchasing equipment, look for dust controls. Use local exhaust ventilation to prevent dust from being released into the air. Always use the dust control system, and keep it well maintained.
What are the treatment options for end-stage silicosis?
Lung transplantation remains the only treatment option for end-stage silicosis. However, based on available data, patients with silicosis who underwent lung transplantation (4.9%) showed a nonstatistically significant survival advantage (hazard ratio: 0.6) compared to those undergoing lthe procedure for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). [ 56]
Which specialist consultations are beneficial to patients with silicosis of the lungs?
Consulting a pulmonologist is appropriate for the evaluation of lung nodules, assessment of pulmonary function, and evaluation of disability, as well as treatment of mycobacterial disease and complications of advanced silicosis.
What is the treatment for silicosis?
There is no specific treatment for silicosis. Removing the source of silica exposure is important to prevent the disease from getting worse. Supportive treatment includes cough medicine, bronchodilators, and oxygen if needed. Antibiotics are prescribed for respiratory infections as needed.
What is the pathophysiology of silicosis?
Silicosis is caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica (silicon dioxide, SiO2) in various forms. This review proposes that the cascade of inflammatory and fibrotic events involved in cell-mediated, and possibly humoral, immune responses also produces silicosis.
How do you test for silicosis?
What are the possible tests to diagnose silicosis?Biopsy of the lungs – to study a small sample of lung tissue.Bronchoscopy – to look at the inside of the lungs.Chest CT scan – to look for signs of silicosis.Chest X-ray – to diagnose the type of silicosis and look for signs of scarring.More items...
What is the type of dust that is the cause of silicosis?
Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling large amounts of crystalline silica dust, usually over many years. Silica is a substance naturally found in certain types of stone, rock, sand and clay. Working with these materials can create a very fine dust that can be easily inhaled.
What are the three types of silicosis?
There are three major types of silicosis: acute, chronic, and accelerated. Acute Silicosis occurs after a few months or as long as 2 years after exposures to extremely high concentrations. Signs and symptoms of acute silicosis include shortness of breath, weakness, fever, cough, and weight loss.
How is silicosis prevented?
Can Silicosis Be Prevented?Use blasting cabinets or proper ventilation.Use wet methods to cut, chip, or grind materials.Swap blasting material that contains silica for other types.Use respirators that protect you from inhaling silica.Don't eat or drink near silica dust.Wash your hands and face before you eat.More items...•
What type of lung disease is silicosis?
Silicosis is a type of pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica, a common mineral found in sand, quartz and many other types of rock. Silicosis mainly affects workers exposed to silica dust in jobs such as construction and mining.
What products contain silica?
Materials like sand, stone, concrete, and mortar contain crystalline silica. It is also used to make products such as glass, pottery, ceramics, bricks, and artificial stone.
How do you treat dust inhalation?
Decongestants and antihistamines are the most common allergy medications. They help to reduce a stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing and itching. Other medications work by preventing the release of the chemicals that cause allergic reactions. Corticosteroid sprays are effective in treating inflammation in your nose.
Is silicosis obstructive or restrictive?
Neurological Restrictive Lung Diseases In addition, some diseases, such as silicosis, cause an obstructive pattern in the early stages of the disease and a restrictive pattern when the condition is more advanced.
What is the other name for silicosis?
SilicosisOther namesMiner's phthisis, Grinder's asthma, Potter's rot pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosisFine silica dustSpecialtyPulmonology1 more row
What is the most common form of crystalline silica?
QuartzQuartz is the most common form of crystalline silica.
Why is exposure control important in preventing silicosis?
Primary prevention of silicosis through exposure control is important, because no effective medical treatment exists for this disease, which continues to progress even after a person is removed from further exposure. To achieve this, a sustained effort must be made to increase awareness of silicosis.
What is OSHA and NIOSH?
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and NIOSH offer general guidance on respiratory protection as well as provide information on standards for respiratory protection. [ 59] . Specific respiratory protection recommendations are summarized below.
How to ensure dusty clothes do not contaminate cars, homes, or worksites outside the dusty area?
Take the following steps to assure that dusty clothes do not contaminate cars, homes, or worksites outside the dusty area: Change into disposable or washable work clothes at the worksite. Shower and change into clean clothes before leaving the worksite. Do not eat, drink, or use tobacco products in dusty areas.
Is lung transplantation the only treatment for silicosis?
Lung transplantation remains the only treatment option for end-stage silicosis. However, based on available data, patients with silicosis who underwent lung transplantation (4.9%) showed a nonstatistically significant survival advantage (hazard ratio: 0.6) compared to those undergoing lthe procedure for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).