Lung disease Flashcards
1
Q
What is pneumoconosis
A
describes interstitial fibrosis secondary to occupational exposure causing an inflammatory reaction.
2
Q
pneumoconioses…?
A
group of lung diseases caused by the lung’s reaction inhaling certain dusts.
3
Q
most common death relating to work in the UK
A
asbestos
4
Q
Aetiology of OCLD
A
- Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis: exposure to carbon in coal mines
- Silicosis: sandblasters, quarry workers and silica miners
- Berylliosis: aerospace industry and beryllium miners
5
Q
RF for ocl
A
- male- prevalence in the coal mining industry
- increasing age
- substance exposure
6
Q
Pathophysiology of ocld
A
- dust particles are inhaled which reach the terminal bronchioles
- dust ingested by interstitial and alveolar macrophages
- dust expelled as mucus
over time the process of expelling mucous becomes dysfunctional
7
Q
What occurs when mucus production no longer occurs
A
- macrophages accumulate in alveoli
- immune system activation
- fibroblasts arrive on scene and try repair the damage
- Fibroblasts leave depositions of collagen
8
Q
Most common location of deposits
A
upper lobes
9
Q
How would progressive massive fibrosis present
A
- exertional breathlessness
- cough with black sputum
10
Q
sign of pneumoconosis
A
- Fine crackles
- Wheezing
- Clubbing
11
Q
symptoms of OCL?
A
- Exertional dyspnoea
- Dry cough
- May be productive of black sputum in progressive massive fibrosis
- Wheezing
- Haemoptysis
- Weight loss
12
Q
Coal workers pneumoconiosis
A
- Mild exposure is often asymptomatic
- Significant exposure can lead to ‘progressive massive fibrosis’
- Upper zonefibrosis
13
Q
iNVESTIGATIONS ?
A
- CXR- to check for fibrosis
- Spirometry- typically FEV1/ FVC
- High resolution CT chest
- Rheumatoid Factor and ANA
14
Q
What may a CXR show
A
- Nodular opacities in the upper zones are classical of silicosis and coal workers’ lungs.
- In advanced disease, there is calcification of hilar lymph nodes known as eggshell calcification.
15
Q
Staging classification ?
A
- Category 0: small rounded opacities are absent or less profuse than category 1
- Category 1: small rounded opacities are present but few in number
- Category 2: small rounded opacities are numerous, but normal lung markings are visible
- Category 3: small rounded opacities are very numerous, with normal lung markings partially or totally obscured
