Coal workers pneumoconiosis

Question 1

describe the cause of coal workers pneumoconiosis and what it is

Answer 1

fibrosis of lungs caused by inhalation of coal dust particles

Question 2

how long do you need to be exposed to coal dust particles to get coal workers pneuomoconiosis

Answer 2

> 15-20 years generally

Question 3

what effect does smoking have on coal workers pneumoconiosis

Answer 3

makes it worse

Question 4

what 2 different syndromes can arise from coal workers pneuomoconiosis

Answer 4

simple pneumoconiosis, and

progressive massive fibrosis(PMF)

Question 5

describe the signs and symptoms associated with simple pneumoconiosis

Answer 5

asymptomatic unless patient also suffers from another lung disease e.g. COPD if smoker, usually found incidentally on CXR

Question 6

describe the relationship between simple pneumoconiosis and PMF

Answer 6

simple can progress to PMF

Question 7

what is PMF

Answer 7

the progression of coal workers pneumoconiosis, further fibrosis

Question 8

describe the symptoms of PMF

Answer 8

progressive dyspnoea, fibrosis and/or cor pulmonale(increased RV size)

Question 9

describe the pattern PMF produces on spirometry

Answer 9

restrictive