These particles can include asbestos, coal dust, or silica.
Tyler Stableford / Getty Images
What Is Pneumoconiosis?
Pneumoconiosis is a group of lung diseases.
Tyler Stableford / Getty Images
It is due to inflammation triggered by breathing in particles or dust from solid matter.
The primary cause is workplace exposure.
However, most cases of pneumoconiosis develop after years of exposure.
It can show up in two forms: simple or progressive massive fibrosis.
With the simple punch in, there is a small amount of scar tissue.
With the progressive throw in, there is significant scarring in the lungs.
The main symptoms of pneumoconiosis include:
Symptoms will appear after vigorous activity, such as exercise.
But eventually, as the disease progresses, they will also appear at rest.
Low blood oxygen levels stress your other organs, like your heart, and cause additional symptoms.
What Causes Pneumoconiosis?
Pneumoconiosis is sparked by workplace exposure in industries such as coal mining.
Workers inhale dust particles from solid objects like coal, silica, or asbestos fibers.
The particles accumulate in the lungs, causing inflammation.
Damage usually happens over many years.
Symptoms will often show up years after initial exposure.
Living With Pneumoconiosis
There is no cure for pneumoconiosis.
It is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management.
This means following a treatment plan and getting your lungs checked regularly by your healthcare provider.
If you have been diagnosed with the more complex form, it may be a challenge to manage symptoms.
Pneumoconiosis is entirely preventable.
TheOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)has safety standards to help workers avoid the condition.
Regulations also limit the amount of coal mine dust in the air.
Summary
Pneumoconiosis is a lung condition because of exposure to fine dust particles in the air.
This can include coal dust, asbestos, silica, or other harmful substances.
Typically, people get this condition in a work environment like a coal mine.
Symptoms include shortness of breath, severe fatigue, increased phlegm, and fever.
It is diagnosed with a physical examination, lung function tests, and imaging.
Exercise and a healthy diet also help control flare-ups.
OSHA has standards to help workers avoid getting pneumoconiosis.
This includes wearing a mask and removing dust particles from skin and clothing.
American Lung Association.Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis (black lung disease).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pneumoconiosis.
2018;75(1):3-5. doi:10.1136/oemed-2017-104428
John Hopkins Medicine.Pneumoconiosis.
MedlinePlus.Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis.
2023;13(3):e065114.
doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065114
American Lung Association.Pulmonary function tests.
American Lung Association.Understanding your COPD medications.
61(7):621-624. doi:10.1002/ajim.22856
