Coal Workers ’ Pneumoconiosis and Other Mining-Related Lung Disease

Coal workers ’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) and other mining-related lung diseases are entirely preventable, yet continue to occur. While greater attention has been given to CWP and silicosis, mining exposures cause a broad spectrum of respiratory disease, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and pulmonary fibrosi s. Physicians must obtain a detailed occupational and exposure history from miners in order to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the risk of disease progression. Mining-related lung diseases are incurable and difficult to treat. Therefore, primary prevention by limiting dust exposure and seco ndary prevention through chest imaging and physiologic screening should be the primary focus of disease control.
Source: Clinics in Chest Medicine - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Source Type: research