Dust-related lung disease (silicosis, black lung, berylliosis)

Overview

Silica comes from cutting stone, concrete, and engineered countertops. Coal dust causes black lung. Beryllium is used in aerospace and electronics.

Lung scarring can keep getting worse even after exposure stops.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Shortness of breath

Less common

• Cough
• Tiredness

Look up a symptom: Cough · Getting winded easily with activity or stairs

When to get medical care

Causes

Work dust.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Miners
• Stone cutters

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Chest imaging:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Don't smoke
• Get flu and pneumonia vaccines
• Join pulmonary rehab

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Use wet cutting and approved respirators
• Get workplace health screening

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a pulmonologist (lung doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Lung Association: Lung HelpLine 1-800-586-4872 and Better Breathers support groups.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Countertop fabricators: Silicosis cases are rising.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Stopping exposure slows it.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Dust-related lung disease (silicosis, black lung, berylliosis)