What is Silicosis ? 15 Different Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Silicosis

Monday, February 6, 2023

In this publication, What is Silicosis ? What are the Symptoms of Silicosis ? How Is Silicosis Treated ? you can find answers to questions such as:

Silicosis is a lung disease. silicosis; It is caused by damage to the lung from breathing dust containing silica. Silica is a small crystal found in sand, rock, or mineral ores. Silicosis is usually seen in those working in the mining, construction and steel industry sectors.

Silicosis is caused by exposure to silica dust. It is found in minerals such as silica dust, sand, soil or granite. When you work in the mining industry, when you chip minerals (for example, drilling or digging an area), dust penetrates the air. Continuously breathing this air causes silicosis disease.

WHAT CAUSES SILICOSIS ?

Silicosis is caused by damage to your lungs when you breathe in silica dust. Silicosis is not contagious. It does not occur due to a virus or bacteria.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SILICOSIS ?

Silicosis is the body's response to the accumulation of silica dust in your lungs. As a result of this situation, various symptoms occur:

Chronic cough
Shortness of breath
Weakness
Involuntary weight loss
Cough with phlegm
Chest pain
Dry cough
Wheezing
Swelling in the lymph nodes
Shortness of breath while exercising
High fever
Night sweats
Tuberculosis
Scleroderma
Bronchitis
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)
Lung fibrosis
Swelling in the legs
Bruising on the lips

What is Silicosis ? 15 Different Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Silicosis

WHO HAS SILICOSIS ?

Silicosis occurs in people exposed to dust containing silica. Those who work in these areas are at high risk for developing silicosis:

Mining
Steel industry
Build
Plaster or drywall installation
Stoneworks, including the manufacture of stone countertops.
Pottery, ceramics and glass making.
Glass manufacture
Road repair
Masonry
Roofing
Farmer

HOW IS SILICOSIS DIAGNOSED ?

Tests to help diagnose silicosis include:

Chest X-ray or CT scan: This test checks for damage to your lungs.

Bronchoscopy: The doctor inserts a long, thin tube with a small camera at the end into your lungs to check for damage. This procedure is called bronchoscopy.

Biopsy: In a lung tissue biopsy, the doctor will guide a needle through your chest into your lungs to take a sample of the nodule.

What is Silicosis ? 15 Different Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Silicosis

HOW IS SILICOSIS TREATED ?

Silicosis is caused by exposure to crystalline silica, which is formed by breaking, cutting, drilling, or grinding soil, sand, granite, or other minerals. There is no cure for silicosis, if the lungs are damaged by this disease, this damage cannot be repaired. Treatment methods applied in silicosis will be aimed at preventing the symptoms of the disease. The first step in the treatment of silicosis is to prevent further exposure to silica dust. The workplace exposed to silica should be replaced. If the patient smokes, he should definitely quit smoking.

The following methods are used for the treatment of silicosis:

Medication:

Cortisone medications are used to reduce lung mucus.

Bronchodilators help open your airways.

Oxygen therapy:

Oxygen therapy is also used in the treatment of silicosis.

Lung transplant surgery:

If there is severe lung damage, a lung transplant may be required.

When silicosis develops, your doctor will assess the extent of lung damage with tests. To prevent worsening of silicosis lung disease, it is important to avoid silica and other sources of lung irritants, such as indoor and outdoor air pollution, allergens and smoke.

WHAT ARE SILICOSIS COMPLICATIONS ?

It increases the risk of developing silicosis disease, lung cancer, tuberculosis, kidney disease, other lung diseases including COPD, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

WHEN DO THE SYMPTOMS OF SILICOSIS OCCUR ?

Intense exposure to silica can cause silicosis within a year. But it usually takes at least 10 to 15 years for symptoms to appear.