How is silicosis treated?
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.
Does silicosis increase risk of TB?
Silicosis is a prevalent disease for which there is currently no specific treatment. Silica-exposed workers, with or without silicosis, are at increased risk for tuberculosis. The risk of a patient with silicosis developing tuberculosis is higher (2.8 to 39 times) than that found for healthy controls.
Why does TB cause silicosis?
Silicosis, the most prevalent of the pneumoconioses, is caused by inhalation of crystalline silica particles. Silica-exposed workers, with or without silicosis, are at increased risk for tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacteria-related diseases.
Is silicosis similar to tuberculosis?
Silicosis, a preventable occupational lung disease, is associated with various diseases, including tuberculosis (TB). There is an increased lifelong risk for lung tuberculosis even if exposure to silica dust ceases.
What is the best way to avoid silicosis?
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.
Can lungs heal from silica?
When silica dust enters the lungs, it causes the formation of scar tissue, which makes it difficult for the lungs to take in oxygen. There is no cure for silicosis.
Does silica cause tuberculosis?
Silica exposure can increase the risk of TB even in absence of silicosis (8, 11). Some researchers believe that reduced occupational exposure to silica particles is effective for reducing TB incidence (21, 22). Also, decontamination of work environment from silica particles can significantly reduce number of TB cases.
Does silica dust cause TB?
Silicosis can also increase the risk of getting other serious conditions such as tuberculosis (TB), chest infections, emphysema, kidney damage and lung cancer. If you develop the symptoms of silicosis, make an urgent appointment with your doctor if you work, or have worked, with products that create silica dust.
What is another name for classic silicosis?
| Silicosis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Miner’s phthisis, Grinder’s asthma, Potter’s rot pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis |
| Fine silica dust | |
| Specialty | Pulmonology |
What is silicosis mean?
Silicosis is an interstitial lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica, a common mineral found in many types of rock and soil. Over time, exposure to silica particles causes permanent lung scarring, called pulmonary fibrosis.
Can a person with silicosis develop active tuberculosis?
Workers with periods of silica exposure longer than 10 years should be provided tuberculosis chemoprophylaxis. Although evidences of silicosis are not detected, the risk of active tuberculosis can increase. However, further studies are urgently needed to identify the best chemoprophylaxis regimen for tuberculosis.
What should I do if I have silicosis?
To keep the disease from getting worse, all silicosis patients need to eliminate any more exposure to silica. Other lung irritants, such as indoor and outdoor air pollution, allergens and smoke, should also be avoided. Your doctor can help manage your symptoms, but you can also take steps to keep yourself healthy by doing the following:
How is silicosis treated by the American Lung Association?
How Silicosis Is Treated There is no cure for silicosis and once the damage is done it cannot be reversed. Treatment is focused on slowing down the progression of the disease and relieving symptoms. Avoiding further exposure to silica and other irritants such as cigarette smoke is crucial.
How does smoking affect the progression of silicosis?
Smoking can increase the damage done by silica and speed up the progression of the disease. The American Lung Association offers proven-effective smoking cessation programs to give people trying to quit the support they need. Supplemental oxygen may be prescribed to help you get more air into your lungs when needed.