Occupational lung disease

Question 1

What is meant by occupational lung disease?

Answer 1

• Lung problems that are made worse in certain work environments.
• They are caused by long-term exposure to certain irritants that are breathed into the lungs.
• These lung diseases may have lasting effects, even after the exposure ends. 

Question 2

What are some causes of occupational lung disease?

Answer 2

These sources include factories, smokestacks, exhaust, fires, mining, construction, and agriculture. The smaller the particles are, the more damage they can do to the lungs. Smaller particles are easily inhaled deep into the lungs. 

Question 3

What are some examples of occupational lung diseases?

Answer 3

1. Asbestosis
2. Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis/ black lung disease
3. Silicosis
4. Byssinosis
5. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
6. Work- related asthma

Question 4

What is asbestosis?

Answer 4

breathe in asbestos fibres = lung scarring and stiff lung tissue.

Question 5

What is Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis/ black lung disease?

Answer 5

• Coal Miners ⇒ diagnosis usually 15-20 years after initial exposure to coal dust
• Simple Pneumoconiosis → patients are often asymptomatic. Increases risk of lung diseases of COPD. May lead to progressive massive fibrosis.
• Progressive Massive Fibrosis → considerable exertional dyspnoea and cough +/- black sputum. Most common in upper lobes.
• Investigations ⇒ CXR (upper zone fibrosis) and Spirometry (restrictive pattern).

Question 6

What silicosis?

Answer 6

• Silicosis → dyspnoea and cough. Fibrotic lung disease caused by inhalation of silica. Risk factor for developing TB.
• Stonemason, Pottery, Ceramics
• ‘Egg Shell’ calcification of hilar lymph nodes on CXR

Question 7

What is byssinosis?

Answer 7

caused by breathing in dust from hemp, flax, and cotton processing. It is also known as Brown Lung Disease. The condition is ongoing (chronic). It causes chest tightness and shortness of breath. It affects textile workers, especially those who work with unprocessed cotton. 

Question 8

What is hypersensitivity pneumonitis?

Answer 8

Allergic lung disease. It is caused by a lung inflammation that happens from breathing in many different substances. These include fungus spores, bacteria, animal or plant protein, or certain chemicals. The disease causes inflamed air sacs in the lungs. It leads to fibrous scar tissue in the lungs and trouble breathing.

Question 9

What is work related asthma?

Answer 9

Asthma caused by breathing in dusts, gases, fumes, and vapors. It causes asthma symptoms such as a chronic cough and wheezing.

Question 10

What are the presenting symptoms of occupational lung disease?

Answer 10

• Coughing 
• Shortness of breath, which often gets worse with activity 
• Chest pain 
• Chest tightness 
• Abnormal breathing patterns 

Question 11

What investigations are used to diagnose/ monitor occupational lung disease?

Answer 11

• Chest X-ray
• Pulmonary function tests
• Bronchoscopy
• Biopsy
• Bronchoalveolar lavage. This test removes cells from the lower respiratory tract. This is done to help find inflammation and rule out certain causes. 
• Blood gas
• CT scan