Silicosis history and symptoms
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aparna Vuppala, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
History and Symptoms
Because silicosis is progressive, signs of it may not appear until years after exposure. Symptoms include:
- Tachypnea or shortness of breath after physical exertion
- Dry or severe cough, often persistent and accompanied by hoarseness of the throat
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Changes in breathing pattern (rapid breathing or shallow breathing)
- Loss of appetite
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Gradual dark shallow rifts in nails eventually leading to cracks
In advanced cases, the following may also occur:
- Cyanosis
- Cor pulmonale
- Respiratory insufficiency
Patients with silicosis are particularly susceptible to tuberculosis (TB) infection - known as silicotuberculosis. Mycobacterial infection, particularly tuberculosis (TB), is a long recognized and well-established complication of silicosis and should always be suspected when a patient with silicosis develops
- Constitutional symptoms such as fever, cough, weight loss
- Worsening respiratory impairment,
- Hemoptysis