Causes and risk factors:
Pneumoconiosis is caused due to inhalation of the coal dust. Hence people working in coal mines, graphite mills, or industries manufacturing carbon and rubber goods are more prone for to developing lung affectionscomplications. The inhaled particles cause inflammation of the air sacs along with scarring of tissues which in turn leads to lung stiffness. Over a period of time, the settled articles causes black discoloration and hardening.
Clinical presentations:
Pneumoconiosis is of two types – simple and complicated. It is a type of interstitial disease. Severity of symptoms is directly proportional to the inhaled dose of exposure and period of time. It usually takes years together to manifest itself. Initially the patient comes up with complaints of difficulty in breathing and easy fatigue. Cough with sputum is seen, pain in chest, difficulty in swallowing, loss of appetite, and weight loss are other symptoms. Fever can also be seen. On auscultation of the lungs, crackling in the base sounds can be heard. Clubbing of nails of fingers is seen. During later stages, the functioning of the lungs can be deranged. The Complicated type of pneumoconiosis can lead to various complications of the heart and increase the risk of lung cancers. Cor pulmonary tuberculosis is one of the commonest complications seen.
Diagnosis and investigations:
Symptoms narrated by the patient following occupational exposure to coal dust for a long period and the physical examination carried out by the doctor will help to confirm the diagnosis. Certain investigations can be advised which are routine blood test, chest x x-ray with its typical radiological findings of fibrosis and scarring is marked. Culture of sputum is done to rule out the causative agent. Along with this bronchoscopy, CT scan, pulmonary function test is are a useful aids for diagnosis. Lung tissue biopsy is also advised in severe cases.
Treatment:
There is no specific cure for pneumoconiosis. However, treatment aims at giving symptomatic relief. Any complications, if present, are is treated. Medications like bronchodilators, antibiotics, and medicines to reduce the pain and for thinning down the secretions are administered. Oxygen therapy is implemented to relief relieve the shortness of breath. Rarely, lung transplantation is suggested.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating sciatic pain. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly, the Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are is also found to be effective in treating pain. Yoga exercises and Pranayam are really found to be effective.
