Silicosis

Treatingsilicosis

Source: NHS

In this topic (5)

There's no cure for silicosis, as the lung damage cannot be reversed. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. The conditionmay continue to get worse, leading to further lung damage and serious disability, although this may happen very slowly over many years.

The following steps may limit the risk of complications:

You may be offered long-term oxygen therapy if you're having difficulty breathing and have low levels of oxygen in your blood. Bronchodilator medicines may also be prescribed to widen your airways and make breathing easier.

You'll be given a course of antibiotics if you develop a bacterialchest infection.

In very severe cases, a lung transplant may be an option, although there are strict health requirements to meet before this will be considered.

Articles for Silicosis

How can my GP help?

See your GP if you think there's apossibility you could have silicosis. Your GP may suspecttheconditionafter asking about your symptoms and work history, and listening to your lungs with a stethoscop

Introduction

Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling large amounts of crystalline silica dust, usually over many years.

Preventingsilicosis

Silicosis can beprevented by avoiding prolonged exposure to silica dust. In the UK, all workplaces must now comply with The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 , which sets a w

Signs andsymptoms

The symptoms of silicosis usually take many years to develop and you may not notice any problems until after you've stopped working with silica dust. The symptomscan also continue to get worse, even i

Treatingsilicosis

There's no cure for silicosis, as the lung damage cannot be reversed. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. The conditionmay continue to get worse, leading to further lung da