Silicosis Health Effects
Silicosis
is an occupational lung disease characterized by inflammation
and scarring of the lung tissue. The formation of scar tissue
inhibits the flow of oxygen into the lungs and into the bloodstream.
The earliest symptoms of silicosis may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Occasional bluish skin at ear lobes or lips
As the lung
disease progresses, more severe symptoms such as pulmonary
and cardiac impairment will occur. In some cases, pulmonary
function will be impaired to the point where the patient will
need to be supplied with oxygen.
Silicosis Health Problems
In addition to the symptoms listed above, silicosis patients
are at an increased risk for tuberculosis, heart disease,
lung cancer, and connective tissue disease.
Tuberculosis - a bacterial infection that causes
the formation of tubercles (lesions) in the lungs. Experts
do not know why silicosis sufferers are at an increased risk
for tuberculosis, but they theorize that silicosis depresses
the immune system, increasing the risk of bacterial infection.
Heart disease - the formation of scar tissue in
the lungs requires the heart to work harder to move blood
throughout the body. As a result, it increases the risk of
heart failure.
Lung cancer - for unknown reasons, silicosis sufferers
are at an increased risk for lung cancer.
Connective tissue disease - a group of diseases
that include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, rheumatic fever,
and systemic sclerosis. Evidence suggests that these diseases
may originate from an autoimmune response.
Chronic bronchitis - associated with airflow obstruction
and a chronic cough. This disease is common among workers
who are exposed to silica.
Silicoproteinosis - a fatal lung disease characterized
by the decreased ability of the lungs to produce oxygen.
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