Silicosis Management

Silicosis Management

Silicosis is a pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust, resulting in 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)

• Pulmonary function tests (PFTs)

• Lung function tests

• Lung biopsy (if indicated)

Non-pharmacological management

• Avoid further exposure to respirable silica.

• Smoking cessation.

• Bronchodilator therapy if indicated.

• Vaccination against influenza and pneumococcus.

• Oxygen therapy if indicated.

• Lung transplantation where appropriate.