Pneumoconiosis

Coal worker's lung

• Caused by inhalation of coal dust particles over 15-20 years
• Coal particles engulfed by macrophages which die → enzyme release → fibrosis
• Signs and symptoms: may be asymptomatic or chronic bronchitis-like symptoms, CXR may show upper zone changes
• Management: coal dust avoidance, supportive care

Silicosis

• Inhalation of the silica particles
• Symptoms: progressive dyspnoea, dry cough
• CXR shows diffuse miliary/nodular pattern in the upper and mid zones +/- egg-shell calcification of hilar nodes
• Management: silica dust avoidance

Asbestosis

• Inhalation of asbestos fibres
• Degrees of fibrosis is dependent on the degree of exposure (as possessed to mesothelioma)
• CXR: may show pleural plaques
• Associated with increased risks of adenocarcinoma and mesothelioma
• Management: symptomatic relief

Reference: Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine (10th Edition)