Occupational lung disease Oct 19 M3 Flashcards
elements of occupational history
what job, direct or indirect exposure, know someone ill?
pneumoconiosis def
disease of the lung caused by inhalation of inorganic dust
diagnosis of pneumoconiosis
history of exposure, abnormal radiology, no other explanation
asbestosis def
lung disease from inhalation of asbestos particles (severe fibrosis + risk of mesothelioma, cancer of the pleura)
workers at risk of asbestosis
plumbers, construction, ship building yards, demolition
asbestosis on phys exam
crackles on auscultation, clubbing of the fingers
asbestosis CXR
white lines
pleural changes in people exposed to asbestos
white plaques over the ribs (Ca accum)
pleural white plaque consequence
none, just shows exposure to asbestos
diffuse pleural thickening
patients with asbestos: white tissue density thickens along chest wall, compromises lung function
mesothelioma def
cancer of the pleura
mesothelioma signs and symptoms
pleural effusion, chest pain, shortness of breath
asbestosis affects what lung regions
bottom regions
silicosis def
spectrum of lung diseases caused by inhalation of free crystalline silica (silicon dioxide)
workers at risk of silicosis
mining, sand blasting, tunnelling
silicosis on CXR
small nodules (upper and middle lung zones)
main complications of silicosis
lung cancer (silica is class 1 carcinogen)
other complications of silicosis
TB, fibrosis, autoimmune disease, COPD
COPD: occupational exposures account for how much
15-40% of the risk
factor that amplifies risk of COPD a lot if already exposed to something
smoking
work-exacerbated asthma
preexisting asthma worsening at workplace
occupational asthma
asthma attributable to something only found at the workplace
people at risk of occupational asthma
bakers, farmers, animal workers, health care workers, hairdressers