| name: | Black Lung Disease |
| also known as: | Coal Worker's Pneumoconiosis; Coal Miner's Lung; Coalminer's Lung; Coalminer's Pneumoconiosis; Anthracosis; ICD 500 |
| also see: | Pneumoconiosis; Silicosis; Asbestosis; Restrictive Lung Disease; ICD |
| description: | Coal miner's lung is a form of interstitial pulmonary disease within the classification called pneumoconiosis. It is caused by breathing in coal dust which contains bituminous or anthracitic coal dust. The coal dust forms what are called coal macules around the airway tubes leading to progressive scarring or fibrosis of the lung tissue, also called restrictive lung disease. It is called restrictive lung disease because the lungs do not move very well in-and-out. Risk is increased with smoking, chronic bronchitis, air pollution. |
| signs & symptoms: | As the disease progresses, signs include chronic cough, productive wet cough, shortness of breath, shortness of breath with exertion. |
| diagnosis: | Based on signs, symptoms, history and exam, as well as characteristic chest x-ray. Often a pulmonary function test is indicated in order to determine the extent of disease. |
| treatment: | Treatment is directed at treating the symptoms as they arise. Treatment is similar as for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including general supportive measures as well as prescribed medicines such as oral bronchodilators such as theophylline, inhaled bronchodilators, including terbutaline or albuterol, and oral cortisone steroids such as prednisone. Antibiotics are prescribed for evidence of infection such as bacterial pneumonia, viral pneumonia, acute bronchitis), and supplemental oxygen as needed. |
| prevention: | Wear appropriate face mask when working in a coal mine or around coal dust. |
| outcome: | Black lung disease is not curable, but the symptoms are treatable. |
skynetMD suggests the following:
| if: | If the person has black lung disease, and develops signs of an acute respiratory infection, such as a qualitative change in the cough, a change in the appearance of the sputum, fever, chills, muscle aches and pains, headache, ill feeling |
| go to: | Go to the doctor. |
Last updated 1/18/2008