pneumoconiosis

pneumoconiosis (n'məkō'nēō`sĭs), chronic disease of the lungs. Primarily an occupational disease of miners, sandblasters, and metal grinders, it is a result of repeated inhalation of dusts, including iron oxides (e.g., rust and filings), silicates (e.g., talc and rock dust), and carbonates (especially coal dust). Particles collect in the lungs and become sites for the formation of fibrous nodules. As the disease progresses, fibrous tissue increasingly replaces elastic lung tissue. Loss of lung function is signaled by shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and difficulty in expectorating. A heart deficiency called cor pulmonale may develop in severe cases. Sufferers are particularly vulnerable to infectious lung diseases such as tuberculosis. Pneumoconiosis is incurable and treatment is purely symptomatic. Because the inhaled dusts cause darkening of the lung tissue, the disease is also known as black lung. Silicosis, the form of the disease prevalent among miners, is commonly called miner's lung.

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pneumoconiosis

Any lung disease caused by inhalation of organic or inorganic dusts or chemical irritants, usually over time. Some dusts (e.g., silica minerals, asbestos) produce grave reactions in small quantities. Dust collects in the pulmonary alveoli, causing inflammation that scars lung tissue, reducing its elasticity. Chest tightness and shortness of breath may progress to chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Cigarette smoking worsens many types. The most common cause of severe disease is silica (see silicosis). Asbestos (see asbestosis), beryllium, and aluminum dusts can cause worse disease, often on brief exposure. Organic causes include mold spores (see allergy) and textile fibres. Chemical irritants such as ammonia, acid, and sulfur dioxide are soon absorbed by the lung lining; their irritant effect can cause pulmonary edema, and they can lead to chronic bronchitis.

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pneumoconiosis [¦nü·mō‚kō·nē′ō·səs]

(medicine)

Any lung disease caused by dust inhalation.