Silicosis is an occupational lung disease, which is caused by the inhalation of Silica dust. This leads to inflammation of the lung tissue.

The best way to prevent Silicosis is through safety measures while on the job. This includes being educated on the dangers of Silica dust and using proper safety equipment.

examination by a physician will include a work history evaluation, chest X-ray and lung function test. This is the best and most reliable way for detecting Silicosis. It is important that you contact a physician who has experience in lung disease treatment. medical school silicosis, lawyer silica silicosis, silicosis symptom, silicosis, silicosis lawyer Symptoms and Types of Silicosis

There are many occupations that put workers at risk for crystalline silica dust exposure. Many forms of rock and sand contain silica, as it is a very common mineral. Sandblasters, miners, shipyard workers, rock drillers and cutters, construction workers, concrete workers, ceramic and pottery workers, tunnel workers, foundry workers, glass manufacturers, and agriculture employees may be exposed to silica dust.

Lung function tests and chest X-rays are used to diagnose silicosis. Since the symptoms of silicosis are similar to other lung diseases, it is important to let your doctor know if you work in a high-risk occupation. This will help your doctor identify the disease. People in high-risk professions should have regular, periodic lung examinations.

Silicosis is an incurable and irreversible lung disease. Though incurable, silicosis is completely preventable. If proper dust control techniques are employed, silica exposure can be kept within safe levels.

Health effects include: shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. Patients are also at increased risk for developing several diseases including Tuberculosis and lung cancer.

Initially, shortness of breath and a dry cough are the most common symptoms; however, there also may be no symptoms at all.

There are three different types of silicosis: chronic, accelerated and acute. They are categorized based on progression rates and the duration and intensity of silica dust exposure. Chronic silicosis develops slowly, sometimes developing 40 years after initial silica exposure. Accelerated silicosis is somewhat similar to chronic silicosis but results from higher exposure levels over a shorter period of time (five-15 years).

Treatments for silicosis focus on slowing the progression of the disease. The first important step in treating the pneumoconiosis silicosis is to stop silica dust exposure as soon as possible. If the silicosis patient smokes, they should stop immediately. Continued exposure and smoking cause silicosis to progress faster. Close monitoring to prevent infections from a weakened immune system and drugs to ease breathing and coughing are also available for the comfort of the patient.

If you have been diagnosed with silicosis and are currently or have previously been, exposed to crystalline silica dust on the job, it is important to seek the advice of a silicosis attorney immediately. If you weren't supplied with proper safety equipment and, or trained in silica dust exposure safety methods, your employer or manufacturer of the safety equipment may be responsible.