Pneumoconioses.

Abstract

Occupational lung diseases are caused or made worse by exposure to harmful substances in the work-place. "Pneumoconiosis" is the term used for the diseases associated with inhalation of mineral dusts. While many of these broad-spectrum substances may be encountered in the general environment, many occur in the work-place for greater amounts as a result of industrial processes; therefore, a range of lung reactions may occur as a result of work-place exposure. Physicians in metropolitan cities are likely to encounter pneumoconiosis for two reasons: (i) patients coming to seek medical help from geographic areas where pneumoconiosis is common, and (ii) pneumoconiosis caused by unregulated small-scale industries that are housed in poorly ventilated sheds within the city. A sound knowledge about the various pneumoconioses and a high index of suspicion are necessary in order to make a diagnosis. Identifying the disease is important not only for treatment of the individual case but also to recognise and prevent similar disease in co-workers.

• Authors: Vinaya S Karkhanis, J M Joshi
• Journal: The Indian journal of chest diseases & allied sciences (Indian J Chest Dis Allied Sci) 2013 Jan-Mar Vol. 55 Issue 1 Pg. 25-34 ISSN: 0377-9343 [Print] India
• PMID: 23798087 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Anthracosis (diagnosis)
• Berylliosis (diagnosis)
• Humans
• Pleura (pathology)
• Pneumoconiosis (diagnosis)
• Siderosis (diagnosis)