A material called silica dust in the air can cause the lung disease silicosis. It is a dangerous lung condition brought on by breathing in respirable crystalline silica that impairs the lungs' capacity to carry oxygen to other body parts by causing lung tissue fibrosis and scarring.
This non-communicable disease primarily affects people working in certain industries and engaged in jobs like foundry work, sandblasting, mining and quarrying, construction work, glassmaking, pottery, and manufacturing products made of ceramic and stone work.
Let’s look closely at the symptoms of this ailment.
What are the Symptoms of Silicosis?
Symptoms of silicosis depend on how long a person has been exposed to silica dust and the type of the ailment (i.e., chronic silicosis, subacute or accelerated silicosis, and acute silicosis). Silicosis is characterised by scarring and chronic inflammation in the upper lobes of the lungs. Identifying the symptoms of silicosis is vital for timely medical intervention and diagnosis.
You could have early signs of silicosis, such as the ones listed below if the nature of your work exposes you to silica dust at work:
- Persistent cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Phlegm
Silicosis disease symptoms that appear later are:
- Weight loss
- Swollen legs
- Chest pain
- Bluish lips
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden fever
Other symptoms that may manifest include:
- Night sweats
- Fever
- Respiratory failure
Silicosis increases a person’s risk of developing respiratory infections like:
- TB
- Lung carcinoma
- Chronic bronchitis
- Chronic kidney disease
- Autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, etc.
Doctors recommend diagnostic tests, such as sputum tests, CT scans, chest X-rays, bronchoscopy, pulmonary function tests, lung tissue biopsy, etc., to diagnose the severity of silicosis.
Although there is no proper cure for silicosis, doctors can help individuals diagnosed with the ailment manage the symptoms by using various modes of treatment. Medications like inhaled steroids may be prescribed to reduce lung mucus, and bronchodilators can help relax a person’s breathing passages. Oxygen therapy may be prescribed to lessen fatigue, and in severe cases, lung transplant surgery could be the last resort for those diagnosed with advanced lung damage.
Conclusion
Regular health examinations are recommended for everyone who works in an industry where silica dust is present. Even if they have no silicosis symptoms, they should be watched for lung disease indicators and symptoms. Remember to invest in a comprehensive health insurance plan to avail of the best healthcare facilities and tide over medical exigencies.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.