Occupational lung diseases Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z Occupational Lung Diseases Overview Occupational lung diseases are a group of lung conditions that have been caused or made worse by long-term exposure to certain irritants in the workplace. Causes and Risk Factors Dust particles, chemicals, fungal spores, and certain animal droppings are examples of exposures that may increase your risk of developing occupational lung disease. Types of occupational lung diseases Asbestosis results from inhaling asbestos fibres.Symptoms: Shortness of breath, persistent dry cough, chest tightness, and in advanced cases, finger clubbing.Diagnosis: It is diagnosed based on exposure history, chest X-rays, high-resolution CT scans, and pulmonary function tests (PFTs).Treatment: Supportive care, including oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation and avoiding further exposure.Silicosis is caused by inhaling silica dust.Symptoms: Shortness of breath, cough, and sometimes, chest pain.Diagnosis: History taking, chest X-rays, CT scans, and PFTs.Treatment: Symptom management, using corticosteroids for inflammation, and preventing further exposure.Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis (Black Lung Disease) results from coal dust inhalation.Symptoms: Chronic cough, shortness of breath and black sputum.Diagnosis: History taking, chest X-rays, CT scans, and PFTs.Treatment: Supportive care, managing complications like chronic bronchitis and avoiding further exposure.Berylliosis results from beryllium dust or fumes.Symptoms: Shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, and chest pain.Diagnosis: Blood tests, chest X-rays, CT scans, PFTs, and sometimes, bronchoscopy.Treatment: Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, immunosuppressive drugs in severe cases, and avoiding further exposure.Byssinosis (Brown Lung Disease) is caused by inhalation of cotton dust.Symptoms: Chest tightness, cough and wheezing, especially at the beginning of the workweek. Diagnosis: Exposure history and PFTs.Treatment: Bronchodilators, corticosteroids, reducing dust exposure and using protective equipment.Chemical Pneumonitis results from inhaling chemicals, such as chlorine or ammonia.Symptoms: Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and sometimes, fever.Diagnosis: Exposure history, chest X-rays, CT scans, and blood gas analysis.Treatment: Supportive care with oxygen therapy, corticosteroids, and removing exposure to the chemical. Prevention Providing education on preventive measures and coordinating care with other healthcare providers plays a vital role not only in treatment but also in diagnosis and long-term support as required. Tailored programmes are made considering all the above factors as per the patients’ clinical condition.