Silicosis: that is and how it is done
Silicosis is a condition characterized by silica inhalation, usually due to professional activity, which causes severe coughing, fever and breathing difficulties.Silicosis can be classified according to the time of exposure to silica and when symptoms appear:
- This disease is most common in people who are constantly exposed to silica dust.
- Which is the main component of sand.
- Such as miners.
- People working in tunnel construction.
- And sandstone and granite cutters.
- For example.
Silica powder is extremely toxic to the body and, as a result, constant exposure to this substance can cause several symptoms, such as:
In the case of chronic silicosis, for example, due to prolonged exposure, there may be progressive formation of fibrous tissue in the lungs, which can cause dizziness and weakness due to difficulty oxygenating blood.In addition, people with silicosis are more likely to develop any type of respiratory infection, especially tuberculosis.
The diagnosis of silicosis is made by the occupational doctor or GP by analyzing the symptoms presented, chest x-ray and bronchoscopy, which is a diagnostic examination that aims to control the airways, identifying any type of alteration.Made.
Treatment of silicosis is done with the aim of alleviating symptoms, and your doctor usually indicates the use of cough medicines and medicines capable of dilating your airways, making breathing easier.Antibiotics may be recommended, which are indicated by the infection-causing microorganism.
It is important that protective equipment is used to prevent exposure to silica dust and disease development.That’s why it’s extremely important for people working in this environment to wear glasses and masks capable of filtering silica particles.In addition, it is important that measures are taken to control dust generation in the workplace.
Treatment of silicosis should be followed as directed by your doctor to avoid possible complications, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary emphysema, tuberculosis, and lung cancer, for example.If the disease progresses or has complications, your doctor may recommend a lung transplant so that the patient can regain a restored quality of life.See how lung transplantation is performed and what postoperative surgery looks like.