Coal worker's pneumoconiosis management

Coal worker's pneumoconiosis management

Coal worker's pneumoconiosis is an occupational lung disease caused by prolonged inhalation of coal dust, resulting in accumulation of dust within the lungs and progressive pulmonary fibrosis.

Clinical presentation

• Asymptomatic

• Chronic cough

• Dyspnoea on exertion

• Fine or coarse crackles

• Rhonchi and/or wheezes

• Tachypnoea

• Cor pulmonale

Investigations

• Chest X-ray

• CT scan (if indicated)

• Lung function tests

• Lung biopsy (if indicated)

Non-pharmacological management

• Avoid further exposure to coal dust.

• Smoking cessation.

• Bronchodilator therapy if indicated.

• Vaccination against influenza and pneumococcus.

• Oxygen therapy if indicated.

• Lung transplantation where appropriate.