Pneomoconiosis

Question 1

Define pneumoconiosis

Answer 1

a group of interstitial lung diseases, mostly of occupational origin, caused by the inhalation of mineral or metal dusts

major types:

• silicosis
• coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (black lung disease)
• chronic beryllium disease
• asbestosis

Question 2

What are the symptoms of pneumoconiosis?

Answer 2

• dyspnoea on exertion
• cough
• chest tightness/wheezing
• haemoptysis, fever, or night sweats
• weight loss

Question 3

What are the signs of pneumoconiosis?

Answer 3

• crackles on chest auscultation
• prolonged expiration and wheezing on chest auscultation
• areas of dullness on chest percussion
• cyanosis
• barrel chest
• clubbing of fingers and toes
• signs of rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma
• signs of renal failure (e.g., weight gain, oedema, hypertension)

Question 4

What are the investigations for pneumocniosis?

Answer 4

• chest x-ray (posteroanterior and lateral) - silicosis and coal workers’ pneumoconiosis: progressive upper zone non-calcified, small, rounded opacities, ‘egg shell calcification’ specific for silicosis; chronic beryllium disease: progressive upper zone linear interstitial fibrosis
• spirometry - may be normal or demonstrate restrictive changes; may show obstructive or mixed pattern
• beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) - if sensitised to beryllium: positive response