20. Industrial dust diseases

Question 1

What are industrial dust diseases?

Answer 1

A group of diseases caused by exposure to fine particles

Question 2

What is coal workers pneumoconiosis?

Answer 2

A common dust disease in countries that have underground coal mines

Question 3

What are the clinical features of coal workers pneumoconiosis

Answer 3

Asymptomatic
May have co-existing bronchitis
CXR- round opacifications in the upper zone

Question 4

What is the management of coal workers pneumoconiosis

Answer 4

Avoid exposure to coal dust
Treat co-existing bronchitits
Claim compensation

Question 5

What is progressive massive fibrosis?

Answer 5

A progression of coal workers pneumoconiosis

Question 6

What is the clinical appearance of progressive massive fibrosis?

Answer 6

Progressive dyspnoea
Fibrosis
cor pulmonale
CXR- bilateral upper mid zone fibrotic masses

Question 7

What is Silicosis?

Answer 7

Fibrotic disease cased by the inhalation of silica particles.

Question 8

What is the spectrum of diseases that asbestos can cause?

Answer 8

Exposure to asbestos causes a range of diseases, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis (fibrosis of the lungs), as well as pleural plaques, thickening and effusions. There is also evidence that it causes laryngeal and possibly some other cancers.

Question 9

What are the symptoms of asbestosis?

Answer 9

Progressive dyspnoea, clubbing, and fine end inspiratory crackles.

Also causes pleaural plaques, increased risk of bronchial adenocarcinoma and mesothelioma.