Definition

Pneumoconiosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling organic and inorganic dust and fibers, usually found in workplaces, making it an occupational disease. It has several types, with the most common being asbestosis, silicosis, and coal miner's lung. Inhaling these particles can cause lung inflammation and hardening, leading to irreversible lung disease.

Causes

Pneumoconiosis occurs due to prolonged exposure to particles. This condition arises after inhaling fine minerals or chemical dust, such as silica, coal dust, or asbestos. If these dust particles accumulate in the lungs, the immune system will consider them foreign objects and attack them. As a result, the lung tissue becomes inflamed. Moreover, scar tissue may form in the lungs, similar to the result of an injury. This scar tissue is stiffer than normal lung tissue, making it difficult to breathe deeply.

The types of pneumoconiosis are as follows:

• Asbestosis caused by asbestos
• Coal miner's lung caused by coal dust
• Silicosis caused by silica
• Brown lung disease caused by cotton fibres or other fibres
• Popcorn lung is caused by diacetyl, a substance that gives a butter-like flavour to popcorn

Risk factor

Daily exposure to dust that causes pneumoconiosis is not enough to cause this condition. Pneumoconiosis usually occurs when someone works near or directly with this dust. Additionally, the risk increases if you smoke and are exposed to dust with high concentrations over a long period.

Diagnosis

To diagnose pneumoconiosis, the doctor needs to know the history of daily dust exposure you face. This history is closely related to your occupation. Additionally, the doctor will conduct a physical examination to look for additional breath sounds that may indicate abnormalities in the lungs. Moreover, your oxygen saturation will be measured. Oxygen saturation indicates how many red blood cells are binding oxygen.

Other examinations that may be performed include a chest X-ray. X-rays can show plaques or nodules in specific areas of the lungs. Another examination is a computed tomography (CT) scan, which can show abnormalities at certain heights in the lungs. To differentiate scar tissue from cancer, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination may be performed.

Moreover, lung function tests can be performed. This examination is called spirometry. During this examination, you may be asked to breathe normally, perform some activities, and inhale a drug to assess lung function. This examination can not only assess lung function but also detect conditions associated with pneumoconiosis, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This disease is characterized by limited lung expansion.

You may also undergo a bronchoscopy examination. During this examination, the doctor will insert a tube with a camera at the end to view your airways or to take tissue samples from your airways. If tissue is taken, it will be examined under a microscope. With this tissue examination, the doctor can determine what type of dust is causing pneumoconiosis.

If you work in a vulnerable sector, you may be required to undergo regular examinations, for example, every 3-5 years. Certain dust, such as coal dust, can cause symptoms relatively quickly. Meanwhile, jobs involving exposure to silica dust usually only cause symptoms after 10-20 years.

Management

Pneumoconiosis cannot be cured but can be controlled. If you are diagnosed with pneumoconiosis, management aims to maintain the function of your still healthy lungs and manage any symptoms that arise. You may be asked to quit your job that causes the condition. If you are a smoker, the doctor will advise you to quit smoking. Quitting smoking is essential to improve lung function. Certain medications may be prescribed, such as inhalers to open blocked airways and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation in the airways.

If your blood oxygen levels are low, you may be recommended to receive oxygen therapy. You will wear a mask or special tube that delivers oxygen from an oxygen tank to your nose. Oxygen therapy can be used throughout the day for certain people, but it may also only be used at night for others.

Because of its prolonged and incurable nature, you are strongly advised to have regular check-ups with your doctor. These check-ups are intended to monitor symptoms and lung function. Moreover, the doctor can monitor other conditions that arise alongside pneumoconiosis, such as lung cancer and progressive massive fibrosis, or severe scar tissue formation that can be life-threatening.

If you are diagnosed with pneumoconiosis, you can seek support from your closest people. You can also join specific support groups, consisting of people who experience similar conditions to yours. If this condition causes you to feel stressed or anxious, you can also consult with a doctor or mental health professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Complications

Pneumoconiosis can lead to severe complications. Common complications of pneumoconiosis generally include lung hardening and malignancy in the pleura (the membrane lining the lungs) and lungs. Asbestosis is associated with fluid accumulation in the pleura and lung cancer. Typically, this condition will cause symptoms after exposure for 20 years or more. Silicosis can cause lung cancer and increase susceptibility to tuberculosis. Those who have coal miner's lung also have this risk. Moreover, they are also susceptible to COPD, which increases the risk of death.

Prevention

The best way to prevent pneumoconiosis is to use a respirator mask in the workplace, as this mask can filter out mineral dust from your lungs. If you have just been exposed to fine dust, wash your face and hands before eating and drinking. This will help you prevent accidental inhalation of dust. If your job puts you at risk of pneumoconiosis, it is advisable to undergo physical examinations and chest X-rays regularly to ensure the health of your lungs.

When to see a doctor?

If you work in a place with a lot of fine dust or even work with such dust, you should regularly check with your doctor to ensure the health of your lungs. See a doctor promptly if you experience prolonged coughing and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure to fine dust may indicate a possible diagnosis of pneumoconiosis. However, pneumoconiosis can be accompanied by other conditions such as COPD, lung cancer, or tuberculosis, which can potentially be life-threatening if not treated promptly.