🪨 Silicosis – Overview
Silicosis is a lung disease caused by long-term inhalation of crystalline silica dust, commonly found in sand, rock, quartz, and mineral ores. It leads to lung inflammation and scarring (fibrosis), which reduces the lungs’ ability to function properly.
It is a type of pneumoconiosis (occupational lung disease caused by inhaled mineral dust) and is preventable but not curable.
🧪 Cause
- Caused by inhaling fine silica dust particles, often over years of exposure.
- High-risk occupations include:
- Mining
- Stone cutting
- Construction and demolition
- Sandblasting
- Foundry work
- Glass manufacturing
- Ceramics and brickmaking
📋 Types of Silicosis
| Type | Onset | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic silicosis | 10–30 years of low exposure | Most common form; progresses slowly. |
| Accelerated silicosis | 5–10 years of high exposure | Faster progression, more severe symptoms. |
| Acute silicosis | Weeks to 2 years of massive exposure | Rare but severe; rapid inflammation and fluid buildup in lungs. |
🔍 Symptoms
- Shortness of breath, especially during exertion
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Weight loss
- In advanced cases: respiratory failure, frequent lung infections (including TB)
🩺 Diagnosis
- Occupational history (critical)
- Chest X-ray or high-resolution CT scan: may show “eggshell” calcifications of lymph nodes or nodular fibrosis
- Pulmonary function tests: often show restrictive and/or obstructive patterns
- TB testing (silicosis increases TB risk)
- Biopsy (rarely needed)
💊 Treatment
There is no cure, but symptoms and complications can be managed.
Supportive Care
- Avoid further silica exposure
- Stop smoking
- Oxygen therapy (if needed)
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Bronchodilators (for airflow limitation)
Infection Prevention
- Vaccines (influenza, pneumococcal, COVID-19)
- Screening and treatment for latent tuberculosis
Advanced Cases
- Lung transplant (in select patients with end-stage lung disease)
⚠️ Complications
- Tuberculosis (TB) — silicosis patients are at much higher risk
- Chronic bronchitis and COPD
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma)
- Lung cancer (silica is a known carcinogen)
🛡️ Prevention
- Use of proper respiratory protection (PPE)
- Wet cutting methods to reduce dust
- Ventilation and dust suppression systems
- Compliance with OSHA safety standards for silica exposure
- Regular medical monitoring for at-risk workers
🔄 Prognosis
- Chronic silicosis progresses slowly but is irreversible.
- Severe forms (especially acute silicosis) can be rapidly fatal.
- Early diagnosis, avoiding exposure, and managing complications are key to improving quality of life.