– Fibrosing lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica particles
– Progressive and irreversible lung damage

– Inhalation of crystalline silica dust

– Deposition of silica particles in the lungs
– Results in inflammation, fibrosis, and scarring

– Pulmonary fibrosis in coal miners with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Long-term exposure to silica dust.

• Mining
• Quarrying
• Construction
• Sandblasting
• Stone masonry

• Crystalline silica particles (primarily quartz) are inhaled, leading to fibrotic nodule formation in the lungs.

• The intensity and duration of silica dust exposure are key in the development of silicosis.

• Occupational exposure to silica dust.

• Insufficient safety measures
• Inadequate respiratory protection
• Industries with high silica dust levels.

• Smokers
• Individuals with underlying lung diseases.

– Inhalation of silica particles.

– Attempt to engulf and remove silica particles.

– Disrupts regulation of immune response.
– Leads to release of inflammatory mediators.

– Formation of fibrotic nodules
– Progressive scarring of lung tissue
– Impaired lung function.

– Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis
• Asbestosis
• COPD
• Tuberculosis (TB)

– Comprehensive evaluation
• Occupational history.

Relatively rare as an occupational lung disease.

Occupational safety measures and regulations.
Decline in the coal mining industry.

• Cough
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Respiratory infections

• Respiratory failure
• Cor pulmonale (right-sided heart failure)

• Detailed occupational history to assess exposure to silica dust

• Multiple, round, well-defined nodules (0.5-2.0 cm)
• Nodules may cavitate, resembling tuberculosis (TB)

• Provides a detailed image of cavitation and lung damage

• Mixed restrictive and obstructive ventilatory defect
• Loss of lung volume
• Irreversible airflow limitation
• Reduced gas transfer factor

• Fibrosing lung disease
• ‘Egg-shell’ calcification of the hilar lymph nodes

• May be required for confirmation in specific cases

• Rheumatoid factor
• Antinuclear antibodies
• Elevated ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) or PV (plasma viscosity)
• Elevated CRP (C-reactive protein)

• X-rays show features of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with bone erosions

– Avoiding further silica dust exposure
– Implementing occupational safety measures
– Regular health monitoring

– Bronchodilators
– Oxygen therapy
– Addressing associated complications

– In severe cases

– Immediate cessation of coal dust exposure
– Physical treatment similar to RA management
– Quitting smoking

• Alleviating symptoms.

• Steroids.

• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

• Lung damage severity
• Cessation of silica dust exposure
• Early intervention and exposure control

• Irreversible lung fibrosis
• Respiratory impairment

• Timely diagnosis, management, and prevention

• Uncommon, but massive pulmonary fibrosis can progress in some cases

• Yes, it can occur

• Progressive lung fibrosis
• Respiratory failure
• Increased vulnerability to respiratory infections
• Cor pulmonale
• Higher risk of lung cancer

• Regular monitoring and adherence to preventive measures
• Prompt intervention to minimize complications
• Caution with treatment: Includes steroids, NSAIDs, and DMARDs