Silicosis

Silicosis

• 1.
  National University, Sudan FacultyOf Medicine - Batch 9 2015-2016
• 2.
  Silicosis • It iscaused by inhalation of dust containing free silica or silicon dioxide • The incidence of silicosis depends upon  The chemical composition of the dust Size of the particles Duration of exposure Individual susceptibility
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  Types of Silicosis •Chronic silicosis - After 10 or more years of exposure • Accelerated silicosis - After 5 to 10 years of exposure • Acute silicosis - After weeks or months of exposure
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  Workers at riskin • Mining Industries • Pottery and Ceramic Industries • Iron and Steel Industries • Metal Grinding • Sand blasting • Building and Construction workers • Glass manufacture • Others
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  Pathogenesis • After inhalationof the particles it interact with the epithelial cell and are ingested by macrophages which cause the activation and release of mediators inducing an inflammation, fluid accumulation and tissue fibrosis • Silicosis is characterized by a dense ‘’nodular’’ fibrosis in the upper zones of the lungs
• 7.
  Clinical Features • Irritatedcough • Dyspnoea on exertion • Chest pain Investigation • Chest X – ray : fine nodularity in the upper zones of the lung • Pulmonary function test • Test for tuberculosis
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  Treatment • Removing thesource of silica exposure • Supportive treatment • Antibiotics or anti-TB drugs (if needed) • Patients with severe silicosis may need to have a lung transplant.