Silicosis is a lung disease.It develops after inhaling dust for a long time.Occupations that deal with rock, stone, sand, and clay are at a high risk of being harmed by the substances.If you notice any respiratory problems, visit your doctor, and undergo a series of tests to determine if you are at risk for silicosis.
Step 1: If you are at risk, identify it.
Different groups of people are affected by Silicosis.There is a high risk of developing this condition for people who have an occupation where they have been exposed to silica.People who work in mines, foundries, or quarries are more likely to be affected.Ceramic and gemstone workers are also at risk.The condition occurs in people over the age of 40.
Step 2: Notice how difficult it is to breathe.
Silicosis affects the lungs.Problems in breathing are caused by this.Climbing stairs or walking long distances can cause problems if you notice them.When you are sitting or not doing physical activity, you may experience a short breath.This could develop quickly or slowly.
Step 3: Look for a cough.
Silicosis can cause a chronic cough that doesn't respond to usual treatments.When you cough, this may be dry.The cough can produce phlegm.The cough will be severe even if it is dry or wet.The cough is accompanied by chest pains.
Step 4: Check for poor health.
People who suffer from acute silicosis may feel weak.Quality of life can be impacted by this.Silicosis can result in a decreased appetite.You may experience a sore throat.
Step 5: Go to the doctor.
You need to make an appointment with your doctor when you suspect you have silicosis.It can take a long time to identify this condition.It is possible that you will have to go to the doctor multiple times to get a diagnosis.There aren't many symptoms or lung damage from simple chronic silicosis.Silicosis can mimic other lung diseases.It can make diagnosis difficult.
Step 6: Tell your medical and personal history.
A discussion about your occupation is a part of the diagnostic process for silicosis.Your doctor will want to know about your previous jobs.Tell the truth about where you worked, what type of work you did, and what you were exposed to.Your work at a high-risk job is the first test your doctor will test for silicosis.
Step 7: You should get a physical examination.
Your doctor will give you a physical exam after speaking with you.The main thing your doctor will do is listen to your lungs.They will use a stethoscope to listen to you.They will listen from your back and chest.They will ask you to breathe at different speeds.The doctor is likely to test for lung infections.If you have chronic lung diseases, they may give you an inhaler to see how your body responds.If you are suspected of having silicosis, your doctor may refer you to a specialist.
Step 8: You can get a chest x-ray.
Your doctor will order a chest X-ray after determining that your symptoms are related to silicosis.The first test to be ordered is an x-ray.Significant scarring of the lung tissue may be shown on the chest x-ray.
Step 9: Take a breathing test.
A breathing test may be ordered by your doctor.How your lungs are working will be tested.You will be asked to breathe into a spirometer, which is a machine that will figure out how well your lungs work by measuring airflow and air volume.Lung function may not be affected if you have simple silicosis.As the disease progresses, lung function is declined.
Step 10: Have a test done.
ACT scans can be used as a diagnostic tool for silicosis.A better image of your lungs can be given to the doctor by showing them changes.The doctor looks for a pattern of scarring that is reflective of the disease.If the chest x-ray was clear, this may be done.
Step 11: A lung tissue sample can be obtained.
It is possible that chest x-rays and scans are not conclusive.If they can't tell if there is scarring on the lungs or if the images come back clear, the doctor may order a lung tissue sample be taken.It will help to confirm whether or not it is silicosis.The doctor will place a narrow flexible scope into your lungs to perform a bronchoscopy.The scope will be used to take samples of lung fluid and tissue.
Step 12: It is possible to treat silicosis.
There is no cure for silicosis.Diagnostic tests will be used by your doctor to figure out the amount of damage to your lungs.The treatment is affected by the severity of the condition.If you have a severe case, you may need oxygen to breathe.It is possible to get medication to help decrease phlegm or relax your air tubes.Stay away from pollutants.In severe cases, you may need a lung transplant.
Step 13: Get a vaccine against lung infections.
Lung infections can be very serious if you have damaged lungs.The vaccine helps prevent flu and pneumonia.Every ten years you should get a tetanus booster.
Step 14: It's a good idea to prevent silicosis.
Silicosis occurs when you breathe in dust for a long time.This happens because of your job.It's important to control the dust in the workplace so that it doesn't put the workers at risk.Many occupations are not able to control the dust.If this is the case, you should wear protective gear that filters the air you breathe.Use materials that don't contain silica.They will be safer to exhale.If you work in this environment, you should have chest x-rays often to detect early signs of silicosis.You are more likely to treat and manage it if you detect it early.If you have a high-risk job, stop smoking.
Step 15: Pick out the different types.
There are different types of lung disease.The degree of severity is referred to by each type.Knowing which type of silicosis you have helps your doctor decide which treatment is best for you.After intense exposure, acute silicosis occurs.This can cause a bluish tint to the skin.The most common cause of chronic silicosis is long-term exposure.It takes decades to develop and is usually diagnosed after 40.The first stage of chronic silicosis is simple.You may not experience symptoms or a decrease in lung function.It might be difficult to diagnose because it might present like emphysema or bronchitis.Complicated silicosis is a more advanced stage.At this point, you may experience weight loss and fatigue.It takes 10 years of exposure to cause accelerated silicosis.Symptoms progress more quickly in this stage.