Acute silicosis
Description of acute silicosis
Silicosis is a lung disease. Caused by the inhalation of dust, containing crystalline silica (quartz). In acute silicosis disease occurs within a few weeks or months After inhalation of high concentrations of silica.
Causes of acute silicosis
Quartz contains:
- Concrete;
- Stonework;
- Sandstone;
- Paint;
- Abrasive materials;
- Soil;
- Plaster.
When these materials are crushed, obtained silica dust particles.
When silica dust gets into the air, it can enter the lungs. Accumulated dust causes lung damage and obstructs breathing.
Risk factors
Lesson following occupations increases the likelihood of developing acute silicosis:
- Sandblasting (the most common cause of acute silicosis);
- Building;
- Masonry;
- Trowels work;
- Drilling stone;
- Bucking;
- Agriculture;
- Ceramics, clay;
- Glass Production;
- Enameling porcelain;
- Manufacture of soaps and detergents;
- Shipyards, Railways.
Symptoms of acute silicosis
Symptoms may appear within several weeks to two years. The presence of the following symptoms does not always indicate the presence of acute silicosis. These symptoms may be caused by other factors::
- Breathlessness;
- Coughing;
- Weakness;
- Temperature;
- Weight loss;
- Night sweat;
- Chest Pain;
- Respiratory failure.
Diagnosis of acute silicosis
For the diagnosis of acute silicosis is necessary to pass a physical exam and tests following:
- Chest X-ray – search for lung disorders;
- Pulmonary function tests – to locate problems in the lung;
- Tests for tuberculosis, since people with silicosis are susceptible to developing TB.
Acute silicosis
For treatment there are no special techniques. It is necessary to eliminate the cause of inhalation of silica dust. You may need to treat lung disease, arising out of silicosis. These may include heart disease and TB. It is also recommended to stop smoking.
Prevention of acute silicosis
You must take the following steps, to prevent silicosis:
- Avoid working in dust, where possible;
- Use water, sprays and ventilation when working in confined spaces;
- If necessary,, wear a dust mask to protect from crystalline silicon;
- Do not eat, drink or smoke near the dusty places;
- After working with dust wash hands before eating, drinking or smoking;
- Take a shower and change clothes before leaving work.
