Pneumoconiosis — Symptoms and Treatment

Pneumoconiosis is an occupational lung disease that is related to coal dust exposure. Macrophages and fibroblasts become activated and focal lung fibrosis occurs. If left untreated, patients can progress to massive lung fibrosis which carries high mortality. History taking and chest x-rays are the mainstay diagnostic tests to confirm and stage pneumoconiosis. Current treatment of pneumoconiosis is mainly symptomatic. Lung transplantation might be an option for patients with advanced pneumoconiosis.