Condition Info - BotMed Application

ConditionName

Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis (Anthracosis; Black Lung Disease; Coal Miner’s Pneumoconiosis)

ConditionDescription

Symptoms

Cough, with or without black sputum;
Shortness of breath;
Chest tightness;

PhysicalFindings

ClinicalTests

History of exposure to coal dust;
Chest CT (asbestosis) or chest x-ray;

Plural biopsy – MANDATORY! For an insurance. Otherwise not necessary.

RiskFactors

Exposure to different substances:
Asbestosis (pleural plaques) – low lungs: 
Shipyard workers; 
Insulation;
Brake lining;
Also cause fibrosis.

Silicosis (xRay: nodular pattern, eggshell calcification) – upper lungs:
Sand blasting;
Mining;
Glass and pottery (quartz);
Risk of TB (b/c upper lungs involvement) – every year check;

CWP (small round densities) – upper lungs field:
Coal dust;

Associated with immune abnormalities ↑IgA, ↑IgG, ↓C3, ANA+;
Inhalation and development of dz 20-30 years later;

IsRedFlag

IsNPLEX

Consequence

sinusitis Carcinoma (70 times higher risk for smokers);
TB;

ProgressionFromCondition

Asbestosis -> malignant mesothelioma or bronchogenic carcinoma;

Synergistic effect with tobacco;

Silicosis (sand) -> increased risk of TB or progressive fibrosis;

Coal worker’s dz -> progressive fibrotic dz;

Berylliosis (electronics) -> increases risk of LU cancer;

TreatmentOptions

PharmOptions

WebLink

https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pulmonary-disorders/environmental-pulmonary-diseases/coal-workers’-pneumoconiosis