Silicosis
Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling large amounts of crystalline silica dust, usually over many years. See your GP if you think there's a possibility you could have silicosis.
About silicosis
Silica is a substance naturally found in certain types of stone, rock, sand and clay.
Working with these materials can create a very fine dust that can be easily inhaled.
Once inside the lungs, the dust particles are attacked by the immune system.
This causes swelling (inflammation) and gradually leads to areas of hardened and scarred lung tissue (fibrosis).
Lung tissue that's scarred in this way doesn't function properly.
People who work in the following industries are particularly at risk:
- stone masonry and stone cutting, especially with sandstone
- construction and demolition as a result of exposure to concrete and paving materials
- pottery, ceramics and glass manufacturing
- mining and quarrying
- sand blasting
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of silicosis usually take many years to develop.
You may not notice any problems until after you've stopped working with silica dust.
The symptoms can also continue to get worse, even if you're no longer exposed.
Silicosis usually develops after being exposed to silica for 10 to 20 years. Although the condition can sometimes develop after five to 10 years of exposure. Occasionally, it can occur after only a few months of very heavy exposure.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of silicosis are:
- a persistent cough
- persistent shortness of breath
- weakness and tiredness
If the condition continues to get worse, these symptoms may become more severe.
Some people may eventually find simple activities such as walking or climbing stairs very difficult and may be largely confined to their house or bed.
The condition can be fatal if the lungs stop working properly (respiratory failure) or serious complications develop, but this is rare.
Further problems
Silicosis can also increase your risk of getting other serious and potentially life-threatening conditions, including:
- tuberculosis (TB) and other chest infections
- pulmonary hypertension
- heart failure
- arthritis
- kidney disease
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- lung cancer
When to see your GP
See your GP if you think there's a possibility you could have silicosis.
They'll ask you about your symptoms and work history and listen to your lungs with a stethoscope.
They'll want to know about any periods when you may have been exposed to silica.
They will also want to know whether you were issued with any safety equipment, such as a face mask, when you were working.
If your GP thinks you may have silicosis, you may be referred to a specialist for further tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Tests you may have include:
- a chest X-ray to detect abnormalities in the structure of your lungs
- a computerised tomography (CT) scan of your chest to produce more detailed images of your lungs
- lung function testing (spirometry), which involves breathing into a machine called a spirometer to assess how well your lungs are working
A test for TB may also be recommended. This is because you're more likely to get TB if you have silicosis.
Treating silicosis
There's no cure for silicosis because the lung damage can't be reversed.
Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
The condition may continue to get worse, leading to further lung damage and serious disability, although this may happen very slowly over many years.
The risk of complications may be reduced if you:
- make sure you're not exposed to any more silica
- stop smoking (if you smoke)
- have regular tests to check for TB, if advised by your doctor
- have the annual flu jab and the pneumococcal vaccine
You may be offered long-term oxygen therapy if you're having difficulty breathing and have low levels of oxygen in your blood.
Bronchodilators may also be prescribed to widen your airways and make breathing easier.
You'll be given a course of antibiotics if you develop a bacterial chest infection.
In very severe cases, a lung transplant may be an option. Although there are strict health requirements to meet before this will be considered.
Preventing silicosis
Silicosis can be prevented by avoiding exposure to silica dust for long periods of time.
More useful links
- How to use your health services
- Asthma and Lung UK
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003
The information on this page has been adapted from original content from the NHS website.
For further information see terms and conditions.