 Health Guide Drug Guide Images Coal worker's pneumoconiosisDefinitionCoal worker's pneumoconiosis is a lung disease that results from breathing in dust from coal, graphite, or man-made carbon over a long period of time. Alternative NamesBlack lung disease; Pneumoconiosis; Anthrosilicosis CausesCoal worker's pneumoconiosis occurs in two forms: simple and complicated (progressive massive fibrosis, or PMF). Your risk of developing the disease depends on how long you have been around the coal dust. Most people with this disease are older than 50. Smoking does not increase your risk of developing this disease, but it may have an additional harmful effect on the lungs. If complicated coal worker's pneumoconiosis occurs along with rheumatoid arthritis, it is called Caplan syndrome. Symptoms
Exams and TestsThe doctor will perform a physical exam and listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. A chest x-ray will be taken. TreatmentThere is no specific treatment for this disorder. You should avoid further exposure to the dust. Support GroupsFor additional resources, see lung disease support group. Outlook (Prognosis)The outcome for the simple form is usually good. It rarely causes disability or death. The complicated form may cause shortness of breath that gets progressively worse. Possible ComplicationsComplications may include:
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalCall for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of coal worker's pneumoconiosis. PreventionWear a protective mask when working around coal, graphite, or man-made carbon. Companies should enforce the maximum permitted dust levels. ReferencesMason RJ, Murray JF, Broaddus VC, Nadel JA, eds. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2005:1758-1763.
Review Date:
4/24/2009 Reviewed By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine UMDNJ-NJMS, Attending Physician in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
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