Silicosis, a severe lung disease, is caused by inhaling dust containing silica, a tiny crystal found in sand, rock, or mineral ores like quartz. With time, this dust accumulates in our lungs, causing scarring and making breathing difficult.
There are three types of silicosis:
- acute, which begins after a few weeks to 2 years of heavy exposure
- chronic, the most common form, which appears decades after low exposure
- accelerated, which begins 5 to 10 years after heavy exposure.
Jobs in industries like mining, construction, and glass manufacturing put individuals at higher risk of developing silicosis. It begins with a persistent cough and phlegm but progresses to severe shortness of breath, weakness, and pain in the chest.
What are the Treatments of Silicosis?
There is no cure for silicosis, but there are treatments for it. Imaging tests like chest X-rays and CT Scans, bronchoscopy, sputum tests, pulmonary function tests, and biopsy help doctors diagnose the stage and severity of silicosis. The treatment of silicosis is primarily aimed at managing its symptoms, slowing down its progress, and stopping further damage. The following are the common treatments for silicosis —
- Bronchodilators: These medications help relax our airways, so less inflammation makes it easier for us to breathe.
- Supplemental Oxygen: Oxygen therapy might be prescribed since it promotes easy breathing. As the disease progresses, an individual may need supplemental oxygen more often.
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation: This is designed for those individuals who have chronic lung conditions to help them increase their activity level and lung function.
- Lung Transplant Surgery: In severe cases of silicosis, doctors may recommend a lung transplant surgery to improve lung function and quality of life.
- Herbal Compounds: Some studies demonstrate that herbal compounds may improve lung function and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Immunosuppressive Treatments: Some studies have looked at immunosuppressive treatments, such as corticosteroids and Infliximab, which reduce inflammation and fibrosis, but more research is required to show consistent long-term improvement.
- Quit Smoking: If you smoke, quitting it is essential, as it can increase the harm done by silica and accelerate the progression of the disease.
Prevention: The best way to prevent silicosis is to prevent it. Stay away from silica dust, take due precautions with protective gear, and follow workplace safety policies.
Conclusion
Consulting your healthcare provider regularly is crucial to diagnosing and treating silicosis. Your doctor can finalise a mode of treatment to help relieve symptoms, slow the progression of this disease, and improve your quality of life. Prevention becomes increasingly important, such as avoiding exposure to silica through ventilation and protective equipment at the workplace. Also, a comprehensive health insurance plan will help you tide over the costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of this ailment.
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.