MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Silicosis

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Silicosis - acute

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Respiratory system

Alternative names Return to top

Silicoproteinosis

Definition Return to top

Acute silicosis is a respiratory disease caused by inhalation of silicon dioxide or crystalline silica without adequate protection.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Silicosis is lung inflammation caused by intense exposure to silica over several months, whereas chronic silicosis is slowly progressive lung scarring, nodules, and inflammation resulting from decades of exposure to silica dusts. The disease occurs mainly in people who work in sandblasting, mining, quarrying, grinding, and those who work in foundries. The incidence of silicosis is decreasing due to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations requiring the use of protective equipment.

Symptoms Return to top

Signs and tests Return to top

Examination may show a bluish coloration (cyanosis) of the mucous membranes. Often, abnormal lung sounds can be heard with a stethoscope.

Possible tests include the following:

Chest X-ray that may show lung scarring, inflammation, and nodules (Sometimes, an enlarged heart and dilated pulmonary arteries can be seen.)
Pulmonary function tests
Arterial blood gases that show low concentration of oxygen
Chest CT scan
Lung biopsy
Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)
Sputum analysis

Treatment Return to top

There is no specific treatment for silicosis, as the fibrotic (scarring) process is thought to be irreversible. Not being exposed to silica is important to minimize progression of the disease.

Supportive treatment includes cough suppression medications, bronchodilators, and oxygen if needed for shortness of breath. Antibiotics are prescribed for respiratory infections as needed. All silicosis patients should be screened for tuberculosis and treated if indicated.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

The outcome is often rapidly progressive respiratory failure possibly resulting in death.

Complications Return to top

A complication is respiratory failure. Patients with silicosis are at increased risk of developing pulmonary tuberculosis.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have an occupational exposure to silica and symptoms develop.

Prevention Return to top

If you work in a high-risk occupation, wear a dust mask and do not smoke. Other protection such as respirators may be indicated.

Update Date: 5/7/2003

Updated by: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.