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Pneumoconiosis is a group of conditions relating to inhalation of particles.

Causes a Fibrosis of the Lung Tissue.

Are often seen by workers of coal mines, or inhalation of asbestos or silica.

Some individual have a worse reaction

Can be inflammation, fibrosis, and destruction

Symptoms

• Difficulty breathing  [Dyspnea]
• Cough
• Coughing blood  [hemoptyosis]
• Shortness of breath
• Pain
• Black lungs
• Lung nodules on X-ray
• Increase risk for Chronic Bronchitis

Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis

• When coal is brought into lungs it causes cells called macrophages to ingest the particles
• This leads to coal spots or macules
• Can be seen on X-ray  [typically in the upper lung]
• The average individual will have no problems or symptoms

Silicosis

• Exposure to silicon dioxide  [silica]
• Causes nodules in lungs and calcification of lymph nodes
• X-ray findings are unusual
• Typically no symptoms are seen

Asbestosis

• Causes fibrosis of lung tissue
• Typically symptoms emerge 15 years post exposure
• Increase risk for Mesothelioma

Other Pneumoconiosis

• Siderosis Iron Oxide
• Stannosis Tin Oxide
• Baritosis Barium Salts
• Talcosis Magnesium Silcate