The lungs help to oxygenate the blood; this then circulates the entire body, supplying vital oxygen to every living cell. Therefore, it is essential that the lungs are kept healthy. This, however, can be challenging due to the amount of pollution in the environment caused by modern-day living.
It is not just traffic fumes that can lead to the build-up of toxins in the lungs. Occupational hazards can add to the irritants our lungs encounter on a daily basis.
Those who work in stone masonry, stone cutting, construction, demolition, and mining, to name a few, are at greater risk of developing lung conditions because of the various toxic substances they regularly encounter. One such lung disease that these individuals can develop is silicosis.
This is a long-term lung disease caused by continual inhalation of crystalline silica dust over many years. Once the dust builds in the lungs, it creates inflammation and scarring of lung tissue.
Symptoms of silicosis take many years to develop as enough silica dust needs to settle and build in the lungs to create symptoms, and this can take years. Only very heavy exposure can cause symptoms to appear in a short space of time.
The main symptoms of silicosis include a persistent cough that can also be accompanied by shortness of breath. Fatigue and general tiredness can also be experienced.
As symptoms progress, they can start to interfere with walking, stair climbing, and general everyday activities.
The causes of silicosis are mainly occupational, such as working in construction and mining. These occupations bring individuals into direct contact with silica dust which is a lung irritant. Inflammation and scarring in the lung tissue, known as fibrosis, all lead to silicosis.
Once silicosis develops, other risk factors exist, such as an increased risk of developing tuberculosis (TB), heart failure, kidney disease, lung cancer, COPD, and regular chest infections.
If silicosis is suspected, then a doctor may want a brief work history. They will also listen to the chest with a stethoscope before performing further investigations such as X-rays and CT scans. A lung function test, as well as testing for TB or COPD, may also be carried out.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for silicosis, and the damage caused cannot be reversed. Therefore, treatment concentrates on easing symptoms and prolonging life. Long-term oxygen therapy is an option, as well as the use of medications such as inhalers that can help to open the airways and make breathing easier.
Prevention is to make sure individuals working in industries that bring them into close contact with silica dust on a regular basis wear high-quality masks at all times to prevent inhalation of this lung irritant.
Those who already have this disease should have regular flu vaccines, TB tests, and pneumococcal vaccinations to help prevent these illnesses from developing. Any infection that affects the respiratory tract can be fatal for those with silicosis due to the extra burden placed on the lungs.