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Coal worker's pneumoconiosis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Lungs
Lungs
Coal worker's lungs - chest X-ray
Coal worker's lungs - chest X-ray
Coal workers pneumoconiosis - stage II
Coal workers pneumoconiosis - stage II
Coal workers pneumoconiosis - stage II #2
Coal workers pneumoconiosis - stage II #2
Coal workers pneumoconiosis, complicated
Coal workers pneumoconiosis, complicated
Coal workers pneumoconiosis, complicated #2
Coal workers pneumoconiosis, complicated #2
Respiratory system
Respiratory system

Alternative Names    Return to top

Black lung disease; Pneumoconiosis; Anthrosilicosis

Definition    Return to top

Coal worker's pneumoconiosis is a lung disease that results from breathing in dust from coal, graphite, or man-made carbon over a long period of time.

Causes    Return to top

Coal worker's pneumoconiosis occurs in two forms: simple and complicated (progressive massive fibrosis, or PMF).

Your risk of developing the disease depends on how long you have been around the coal dust. Most people with this disease are older than 50. Smoking does not increase your risk of developing this disease, but it may have an additional harmful effect on the lungs.

If complicated coal worker's pneumoconiosis occurs along with rheumatoid arthritis, it is called Caplan syndrome.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

The doctor will perform a physical exam and listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. A chest x-ray will be taken.

Treatment    Return to top

There is no specific treatment for this disorder. You should avoid further exposure to the dust.

Support Groups    Return to top

For additional resources, see lung disease support group.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The outcome for the simple form is usually good. It rarely causes disability or death. The complicated form may cause shortness of breath that gets progressively worse.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Complications may include:

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of coal worker's pneumoconiosis.

Prevention    Return to top

Wear a protective mask when working around coal, graphite, or man-made carbon. Companies should enforce the maximum permitted dust levels.

References    Return to top

Mason RJ, Murray JF, Broaddus VC, Nadel JA, eds. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2005:1758-1763.

Update Date: 4/24/2009

Updated by: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine UMDNJ-NJMS, Attending Physician in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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