BLACK LUNG DISEASE

TYPES

Simple coal workers’ pneumoconiosis. This means that the lungs have spots or scar tissues from the dust particles.

Complicated coal workers’ pneumoconiosis. This is also called progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). Individuals with progressive massive fibrosis have a lot of scarring on the tissues of their lungs.

SYMPTOMS

For the disease to show any signs and symptoms, it can take years or even decades. Some individuals don’t exhibit any symptoms until they reach a later age. Most individuals suffering from black lung disease are usually over age 50.

Signs and symptoms of the disease are likely to include the following:

• Chest tightness
• Cough, with or without black sputum
• Shortness of breath

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose black lung disease, physicians will use several pieces of information such as your medical history and ask you about the severity of your exposure to coal dust.

Diagnostics such as a chest X-ray or a CT scan will provide your physician with the necessary information to provide an accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, it will shed some light with regards to the condition of your lungs i.e. spots, masses, and signs of inflammation.

TREATMENT

Treatments are usually symptomatic and palliative.

If you have symptoms of asthma, your physician might prescribe medication to keep your airways open such as bronchodilators. If your oxygen levels are low, you might require oxygen therapy, especially when you are active or sleeping.

Your physician will urge you to quit smoking if you are a smoker. Smoking can inflict more lung damage and exacerbate your symptoms.

To help you find ways to breathe better, your physician may recommend that you undergo a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

In some rare instances, your physician may recommend that you undergo lung transplantation. However, this might be a tedious procedure as there will be a lot of compatibility testing to ensure that the organ matches you perfectly.